Parker Wallis
As of November 9th, the price of gas in Georgia is currently one of the lowest in the nation, clocking in at under $3.12/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline compared to the national average (approx. $3.80/gallon).
The state average price decreased 3 cents from last week and dropped 7 cents from last month. In comparison, the average price in Georgia last year was 13 cents higher than it is now. With gas prices as they are now, it costs about $46.85 to fill a 15-gallon tank, just over $1.00 less than last month’s numbers.
Some Georgia metropolitan areas have even lower gas prices compared to the state average. In the state capital Atlanta, for example, the average price sits at $3.11/gallon while places like the Catoosa-Dade-Walker area are seeing prices even cheaper at around $3.04/gallon. Prices in Warner Robins are around $3.02/gallon, and Gainesville is even lower at $3.00/gallon.
On average, counties in the northern part of Georgia are experiencing some of the lowest prices in the state, hovering below $3.10/gallon for the most part. Exceptions include Towns County at $3.22/gallon and Fulton County’s $3.29/gallon.
The most expensive metro markets are Macon ($3.19/gallon), Savannah ($3.23/gallon), and the Hinesville-Fort Stewart area at $3.24/gallon. The most expensive county average belongs to Emanuel County at nearly $3.48/gallon with other high county averages scattered throughout central and southern Georgia. Presently, however, there is no market, county or metro, that sits above the national average price per gallon.
“Georgia drivers continue to see savings at the pump,” according to Montrae Waiters, a spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Suspension of the state gas tax of 29.1 cents per gallon and low demand are the top factors contributing to low gas prices in the state.”
Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that demand for gas dropped slightly from 8.93 million barrels/day to 8.66 million barrels/day, and total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 1.3 million barrels to 206.6 million barrels.
“Tighter supply and fluctuating oil prices have put upward pressure on gasoline prices,” according to AAA’s weekly report. “Pump prices could continue to increase if supply remains tight alongside rising oil prices.”
“Motorists are reminded that the decline in gasoline prices is seasonal and should continue into the fall,” said Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy. “Seasonality is king in driving prices, not the desires or hopes of politicians.” De Haan also said that gas prices are “struggling a bit” and that many regions could see falling gas prices again soon as demand continues to decline seasonally.
“We should see some relief at the pumps soon,” asserted Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “Georgia is benefiting from this because the president is focused on making sure we manufacture those vehicles, those batteries in the United States, and Georgia has become a robust part of the battery belt,” referring to companies moving to Georgia to build batteries for electric vehicles.
As of now, though, Georgians can find comfort in knowing that they currently have some of the lowest gas prices in the nation.
