ATLANTA — As the unofficial start of summer is here, there is some good news for travelers looking to hit the road. Gas prices in Georgia have decreased by 8 cents in the past month, according to new information from AAA. This trend is offering relief to drivers and potentially impacting travel plans during the upcoming summer season.
Bobbie Gray, a driver fueling up at a QuikTrip on Sydney Marcus Boulevard before heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, expressed her satisfaction with the declining prices.
"Maybe it's the bigger cities, but I'm going to say probably about a $1 difference or so," Gray said.
She hopes the downward trend in gas prices will continue, as it encourages her to travel more.
Amanda Barron, another driver, echoed Gray's sentiments.
"Oil prices are down and gas prices are down, which made our trip easier," Barron said.
With Memorial Day marking the beginning of summer, many individuals, including Barron and Gray, are considering driving as the preferred mode of travel.
According to AAA, the statewide average for gas in Georgia is 88 cents cheaper compared to the previous year. To put it into perspective, the average cost to fill up a 15-gallon tank is now approximately $48.75, meaning most drivers are saving around $14 at the pump.
Ray Hill, an economics professor from Emory University, shed light on the factors contributing to the decline in gas prices.
"We've got plenty of oil that can be produced at less than $100. And so that oil comes on stream. We had a slowdown in the economy, so less demand," he said.
Hill reassured that, for the time being, there shouldn't be a significant increase in gas prices. However, he mentioned the possibility of a slight uptick during the summer due to the introduction of more expensive, environmentally friendly fuel mixes.
Hill emphasized that Georgia's gas prices are lower compared to the rest of the country, partly because of the lower taxes residents pay compared to other states. He also highlighted the likelihood of people choosing to drive instead of flying this summer due to the rising overall cost of air travel in contrast to the price of gas.
With Georgia's average gas prices lower than the national average, motorists can plan their summer adventures with some financial ease.