Drivers in Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties are seeing some of the lowest gasoline prices in Georgia even as Labor Day travel pushes prices sharply higher across the state.
According to AAA, the Catoosa-Dade-Walker area is averaging $3.83 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, placing the Northwest Georgia market among the three least expensive metro markets in the state. Rome is averaging $3.82, while Albany has the state’s lowest listed metro average at $3.81.
The relatively lower prices in Northwest Georgia come as Georgia’s statewide average has climbed to $3.89 per gallon. That is 11 cents higher than a week ago, seven cents higher than a month ago and 98 cents more than drivers were paying at this time last year.
At the statewide average, filling a standard 15-gallon tank with regular gasoline now costs approximately $58.35. Drivers filling up at the Catoosa-Dade-Walker average of $3.83 would spend about $57.45 for the same amount of fuel.
AAA says elevated crude oil prices combined with strong Labor Day travel demand have helped drive prices higher.
“After a record-setting August, Labor Day weekend is shaping up to make history at the pump as well,” AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said. “Elevated crude oil prices and strong travel demand have combined to push fuel costs higher.”
Prices are even higher nationally. The U.S. average has reached $4.14 per gallon, seven cents higher than a week ago. According to AAA, crude oil prices above $90 per barrel continue to put pressure on fuel costs. The current national average is also 32 cents higher than the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 per gallon, which was set in 2012.
Elsewhere in Georgia, motorists are paying considerably more. Savannah has the state’s most expensive metro average at $3.96 per gallon, followed by Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.93 and Macon at $3.91. Atlanta’s average stands at $3.90.
While Northwest Georgia drivers have not escaped the recent increase at the pump, those filling up in Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties continue to benefit from prices that remain among the lowest in Georgia as the Labor Day holiday weekend comes to a close.