Gas prices up slightly; Albany has state’s cheapest

ATLANTA — While local gas prices yo-yoed up and down over the previous week, on Monday morning the metro Albany area had the lowest prices in the state, according to one of two companies that regularly survey gas retailers across the state and nation to provide up-to-the-minute prices.

According to AAA-The Auto Club Group, the price of a gallon of regular gas in Albany Monday was $2.331 per gallon. The Augusta-Aiken metro area came in at $2.342 and Warner Robins at $2.356. The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia, meanwhile, were recorded in Atlanta ($2.46), Savannah ($2.45), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.43), and Gainesville ($2.42)

The largest price increases during the past week, according to AAA, were in Gainesville (8 cents), Atlanta (7 cents) and Dalton (5 cents).

Both AAA and GasBuddy, which both survey thousands of retailers across the state to keep up with trends, noted a slight increase in fuel costs in Georgia for the week. GasBuddy had the price at $2.415 Monday, while AAA had it slightly higher at $2.42. Both also showed prices up slightly nationally, AAA at $2.53 and GasBuddy at $2.524.

“Despite the rough ride crude oil received in the latter half of last week, gasoline prices managed a rally, pushing the national average for the week into positive territory for the first time in a month,” Dan McTeague, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, said in a news release. “This confirmed what was noted here last week: March comes in like a lamb but goes out like a lion.

“Oil aside, there are early indications that gasoline prices are about to strengthen, helped by a noticeable number of refineries out for maintenance and a stronger demand outlook than we saw last year. Geopolitics, trade skirmishes, growing fuel exports, and the ever sensitive relationship between oil and the value of the greenback are all factors that are likely to help the gasoline bulls as temperatures and global political intrigue rise in apparent unison.”

AAA, meanwhile, said motorists will start to see gas prices make their spring spike in early April. That’s when refinery maintenance is expected to be wrapped up and the switchover to more expensive summer-blend gasoline kicks in along with warmer weather and typical demand increases. Consumers can expect prices to increase throughout April, May and into the start of summer.

“Gas prices are usually volatile during the spring, with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster,” Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA, said. “Wholesale gasoline prices lowered late last week, which should allow retail to do the same. While motorists could see gas prices drift a few cents lower in the short term, they should expect more surprises this spring. In total, pump prices could rise 20-30 cents before the summer, as refineries work through scheduled maintenance and prepare for the switch to summer blend gasoline.”