Gasoline prices in Georgia skyrocketed toward the end of last week once the suspension of the state gasoline tax expired Wednesday. By the end of the week, many places, including some in Gainesville, were already charging $3.00+ for a gallon of regular unleaded.
The average price in Gainesville today is $3.04, an increase of 33 cents compared to last Monday. The statewide average is $3.06, up from $2.79 a week ago. Still, Georgia prices remain below the national average of $3.24, a decrease of only two cents since last week, even with “less than stellar domestic demand,” according to AAA.
The primary culprit (outside of the end of the Georgia gas tax suspension) is the cost of oil, AAA says, which is creeping closer to $80 a barrel.
“The current streak of daily pump prices either falling or staying flat started on September 19,” said spokesman Andrew Gross. “It appears this run is in jeopardy, and we may see prices edge a bit higher. But if the cost of oil eventually hits reverse and dips again, pump prices will likely follow suit. So, stay tuned.”