The price of gas is on the rise. Reports from AAA show on average, Georgia drivers are spending nearly 40 cents more per gallon than they were last year.
It's the largest spike we've seen since October 2017. On Sunday, the state average price was $2.58. That's nearly 40 cents more than what drivers paid at this time last year. “The highest I've seen is about $2.60,” said driver Chris Miller. “In Dawsonville, Georgia, little north of Atlanta, that's where I've seen some of the cheapest.”
As it turns out, some of the cheapest fuel is here in Central Georgia. On average, you can fuel up in Warner Robins for about $2.44 cents per gallon. AAA reports gassing up in Dalton will cost a little less, saving you a penny or two per gallon.
But if you're traveling to Atlanta, Brunswick, or Savannah, be prepared to pay. The price for regular unleaded gas is about $2.57 cents per gallon. “I think it could be political,” said driver Pablo Contreras. “I think it’s the demand. There's so many people moving around.”
Mark Jenkins with AAA believes multiple things could be causing the spike, like demand, tightening supplies, and record-high gasoline exports.
According to AAA, neighboring states like Tennessee are seeing a dip in gas prices, averaging about $2.46 cents per gallon. However, prices in Georgia are still under the national average, which is $2.65 cents per gallon.