Gasoline prices continue to rise, in Georgia and nationally

gasoline pump and an EV charging station with a car

Georgia drivers paid an average of $4.19 for a gallon of regular gasoline Monday, Sept. 28, about 10 cents more than a week earlier and $1.31 more than a year ago, according to AAA.

At that average, filling a 15-gallon tank costs about $62.85. The statewide price remains about 30 cents below Georgia’s record average of $4.49, set in June 2022.

EV charging rates were hovering around 42 cents per kilowatt hour at commercial DC fast charging stations nationally, slightly less on average in Georgia at 41 cents.

Home charging is much cheaper, particularly during overnight off-peak hours.  Check your local utility provider for rates.

The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cobb County was $4.22, three cents more than the statewide average.

“Gas prices remain a challenge for Georgia families, especially for those who depend on their vehicles for work, school, and daily activities,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With the state average still above $4 per gallon, many drivers are looking for ways to make every tank go further. Simple steps like reducing aggressive driving, keeping tires properly inflated, and limiting extra trips can help stretch fuel dollars.”

The Atlanta metro area averaged $4.24 a gallon Monday, AAA reported. That figure covers the metro area and is not a Cobb County-specific average.

Nationally, regular gasoline averaged $4.48 a gallon Monday. AAA attributed the continued high prices to expensive crude oil and volatility involving the Strait of Hormuz, despite the seasonal decline in gasoline prices that typically comes with fall.

Gas prices change daily. Readers can check the latest Georgia and Atlanta-area averages on AAA’s gas price page.

What causes fluctuations in gasoline prices?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the price of crude oil is the main factor affecting the price of gasoline.

“Strong and increasing demand for gasoline and other petroleum products in the United States and the rest of the world can place intense pressure on available supplies,” the EIA website states.

According to the EIA, other factors that can affect prices include” disruptions in crude oil supplies, refinery operations, or gasoline pipeline deliveries.”

There are also seasonal changes in demand that cause price fluctuations throughout the year.

For more information on the price considerations for crude oil and gasoline, visit the EIA website.

How does AAA determine gas prices?

According to AAA:

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.

Editor’s note: AI was used in the production of this article. To read about how, when and why we make use of AI, read our article “How, When and Why the Cobb County Courier uses AI.”