As S.C., Ga. gas prices rise, expert says it’s time to conserve
AUGUSTA, Ga. - The average gas price in Georgia and South Carolina continues to rise.
GasBuddy’s weekly survey of more than 3,000 gas stations in South Carolina showed an increase last week of 3.2 cents per gallon, bringing the state’s average price per gallon up to $3.29 on Monday. That’s 29.6 cents higher than a month ago and 87.7 cents higher than a year ago.
Meanwhile, AAA reported the average gas price Monday in Georgia as $3.37 per gallon, up 3 cents from a week earlier, nearly a quarter per gallon from a month earlier and 86 cents from a year earlier.
AAA reports the average price as $3.38 in Augusta on Monday and $3.34 in Aiken and Edgefield counties.
The rise in gas prices is being fueled by concerns that Russia may invade Ukraine, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
De Haan said if Russia invades Ukraine – and if countries then sanction Russia – Russia could fight back by curtailing its oil exports. After all, Russia is the world’s second-largest producer of oil.
“If Russia does curtail oil exports, it will have a significant on not just us in the U.S. but the entire global economy,” De Haan said. “Everyone worldwide will feel the shockwaves.”
Garrett Townsend of the American Automobile Association said consumers need to start thinking of how they can conserve gas.
“You can consolidate your errands, so just kind of do everything all at the same time,” said Townsend. “If you have more than one vehicle in the driveway or in the garage, take the one that’s more fuel efficient.”
And something to add to drivers’ concerns: There’s traditionally an increase in gas prices every spring, anyway.
“The weeks ahead could be rather ugly with rising prices,” De Haan said.
In fact, veteran energy strategist Dan Dicker said recently he can see gas prices going up to $5 a gallon — or even $6.50 or $7 in some areas.
From reports by WRDW/WAGT, WCSC, WGCL and Fox Carolina News
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
