Rising gas prices have Ga. drivers concerned about future costs
AUGUSTA, Ga. - As gas prices climb to their highest levels since September, drivers in the two-state region are feeling the strain at the pump — and there are concerns that newly announced tariffs could push prices even higher.
Georgia drivers have noticed significant differences in gas prices depending on location.
The national average gas price has surged to $3.26 per gallon, up nearly 15 cents from just a month ago. In Georgia, prices are slightly lower, though they are still higher than a few months ago.
BY THE NUMBERS
Gas prices: What are local drivers paying?
- Georgia: $3.05 per gallon, up from 2.94 a month ago.
- Augusta: $2.96 per gallon, up from $2.84 a year ago
- South Carolina: $2.88 per gallon, up from $2.72 a month ago
- Aiken: $2.86 per gallon, up from $2.74 a month ago
“Do I get gas, do I pay rent, do I eat? Like, what is it? All of them are necessities,” said Sherry Griffin-Nmafhie, a frustrated driver in metro Atlanta.
The price increase is not entirely unexpected. Gas prices traditionally rise in the spring and peak during the summer months. This pattern is largely driven by the switch to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce due to the warmer weather.
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“You’re going to use a little more (gas) because of the AC,” Griffin-Nmafhie said.
Another concern for drivers is the recently announced tariffs on imports from Canada. AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said that while these tariffs could impact gas prices in the northern parts of the U.S., it’s unlikely to significantly affect the Southeast — at least, not yet.
“Northern states, states in New England, along the Midwest, all those states that are closest to Canada do rely on gasoline from Canada in many cases, so they could be seeing some effects,” she said.
Despite these concerns, AAA notes the national average is still about 40 cents lower per gallon than at this time last year.
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Drivers are left with a wait-and-see approach.
“It is expensive, but what are we going to do, you know?” Griffin-Nmafhie said.
To track gas prices near you, check out the AAA website or GasBuddy.
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