Georgia gas prices surged 28 cents in 32 days

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The coronavirus vaccines might have contributed to a rise in gasoline prices illustrated by photo of Kroger gas station on South Cobb DriveKroger gas station on Concord Road and South Cobb Drive (the photo was taken last year, so the prices are outdated)-- photo by Larry Felton Johnson

Posted By: Larry Felton Johnson March 18, 2019

Georgia gas prices surged 28 cents in 32 days, according to a news release from Garrett Townsend, the public affairs director for AAA – The Auto Club Group,

“Drivers saw a jump have seen a steady increase at the pump due to rising demand, reduced refinery output, and lower gasoline supplies,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Unfortunately the springtime surge may not be over quite yet. These seasonal factors could keep upward pressure on prices at the pump through Memorial Day weekend.”

Although AAA expects prices to continue to rise, Sunday’s Georgia average price of $2.42 per gallon for regular unleaded, which is the highest daily average price of 2019, is still two cents less than the same time last year.

Why are prices rising?
AAA lists these reasons for the price rise in their news release:

  • Gasoline demand increased for the fourth consecutive week, according to weekly data from the EIA
  • Gasoline supply levels declined for the fourth consecutive week, according to weekly data from the EIA. 
  • Refineries are conducting seasonal maintenance leading to reduced output.
  • Summer-blend gasoline is hitting the market, as required by the EPA, in effort to reduce smog levels. Because this blend of gasoline requires more additives, it is more expensive to produce.  

What is the average price in Cobb County?

As of this morning AAA estimates that the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Cobb County is $2.40.

How does AAA determine gas prices?

AAA explains it’s methodology for collecting data on gasoline prices at the pump as follows:

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

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