Georgia Gas Prices Drop to $2.87

Georgia drivers are seeing a welcome dip in gas prices this fall, with the state average now at $2.87 per gallon, 10 cents cheaper than this time last year.

What It Means For You: Filling up a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $43.05, nearly $2 less than last year. This extra savings comes just as many families are planning fall travel and beginning to budget for holiday expenses.

What’s Happening: Gas prices are falling due to a combination of seasonal factors working in drivers’ favor:

• The switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel is underway across the country
• The Southeast continues to enjoy strong fuel supplies

⛽ About Gas Prices: Gas prices can change frequently, and there are many reasons why. It isn’t as simple as most people think. The biggest reason is the cost of crude oil, which can go up or down based on both world events and how much people want it. There are also costs to make the oil into gas and get it to gas stations. Different locations have different types of gas, and that can also change the price. Taxes also add to the cost. Sometimes, bad weather or problems at oil refineries can make prices go up or down quickly. Also, if the U.S. dollar is strong or weak, that can affect the price. All these things together give us the final price we see when we fill up our tanks.

Between the Lines: While prices are dropping statewide, there’s still significant variation depending on where you live:

• Savannah remains the most expensive metro market at $3.01 per gallon
• Rome offers the best deals with prices averaging $2.77

🔑 Key Term- Average: The “average” is a value that represents the middle point of a group of gas prices, indicating what is typical for those prices overall. However, the price you see at your local gas station may not be exactly the average due to factors such as location, competition, or recent changes in supply and demand. Different stations may set their prices based on local market conditions, taxes, and operating costs, leading to variations from the average price in the area. This means that while the average gives a general idea of what gas costs, individual prices can be higher or lower depending on these specific factors.

The Big Picture: The national average has also fallen to $3.13 per gallon, down 5 cents in just one week. While hurricane season continues through November, the current trend suggests continued relief unless Gulf storms disrupt refinery operations.

The Sources: AAA, Energy Information Administration, Georgia Sun Archives.