By Larry Felton Johnson
Propelled by the breakdown in the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, and the threat from the Trump administration of deploying ground troops in Iran, gasoline prices both nationally and in Georgia have begun sharply rising again after a recent period of falling prices.
According to this morning’s AAA fuel report, a gallon of regular unleaded averaged $3.9430 nationally, compared to $3.8460 a week ago.
Georgia prices rose from $3.5630 this time last week to $3.7290 this morning.
Cobb County prices averaged $3.737, roughly the same as the statewide average.
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.