Drivers in Dade and Walker counties are seeing some of the lowest gas prices in Georgia even as the statewide average continues to climb amid pressure on global oil markets.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, the Catoosa-Dade-Walker metro market is averaging $3.71 per gallon for regular gasoline, making it the second-lowest-priced metro market in Georgia. Only the Augusta-Aiken market is lower at $3.69 per gallon.
The low local average comes as Georgia’s statewide price has climbed to $3.81 per gallon. That means drivers in the Catoosa-Dade-Walker area are paying about 10 cents less per gallon than the state average.
Georgia’s average is two cents higher than a week ago and 92 cents higher than this time last year, although it remains two cents lower than a month ago.
At the statewide average of $3.81, filling a standard 15-gallon tank with regular gasoline costs approximately $57.15.
“As uncertainty in global energy markets continues, drivers can expect fuel prices to remain sensitive to developments overseas,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “To help offset higher fuel costs, drivers can save money by combining errands into one trip, avoiding aggressive driving, and using the AAA Mobile App to find the lowest gas prices in their area.”
Elsewhere in Georgia, Albany has the third-lowest metro average at $3.72 per gallon. The state’s most expensive markets are Savannah at $3.88, Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.87 and Macon at $3.86. Atlanta’s average stands at $3.83.
Nationally, gas prices also moved higher this week, with the average price for regular gasoline rising three cents to $4.09 per gallon.
AAA says elevated crude oil prices above $80 per barrel, along with continued uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and conflict in the Middle East, are keeping pressure on prices at the pump despite softer seasonal demand.
August is now on track to be the most expensive August on record for U.S. drivers.
The national average is up from $4.06 a week ago and $3.14 one year ago. The record national average remains $5.01 per gallon, set in June 2022.
Georgia’s record high remains $4.49 per gallon, also set in June 2022.
While prices remain elevated across the state and nation, drivers in Dade, Walker and Catoosa counties are getting some relief, with their regional average remaining among the lowest in Georgia.