Gas prices in Georgia increased 1-cent last week. Sunday's state average of $2.72 per gallon is 2 cents more than a month ago and 9 cents more than this time last year. Georgia gas prices have hovered within 5 cents of their current range since early August. The state average remains 12 cents less than this year's high - established on Memorial Day weekend.

Average September Gas Prices

                    2014    2015    2016    2017    2018
National    $3.39    $2.34    $2.20    $2.62    $2.85
Florida    $3.32    $2.20    $2.18    $2.68    $2.77
Georgia    $3.32    $2.19    $2.22    $2.69    $2.72
Tennessee    $3.17    $2.05    $2.07    $2.54    $2.59

"Concerns about how sanctions against Iranian crude will impact global oil supply began to weigh on the market last week," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Crude oil prices climbed and dragged gasoline prices higher as a result. The $5 per barrel shift in crude can signal a 25 cent hike at the pump. However, low seasonal gasoline demand and a cheaper-to-produce winter-blend gasoline may should offset some of that upward pressure."

Georgia motorists found the most expensive September gas prices in four years. Prices at the pump averaged $2.72 per gallon last month - an increase of 3 cents from September 2017 and 50 cents per gallon more than September 2016. The higher prices this year are mostly attributed to more expensive crude oil. WTI crude averaged $70 per barrel last month - $20 per barrel more than September 2017, and $25/b more than September 2016.

The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Atlanta ($2.76), Savannah ($2.74), and Brunswick ($2.73)

The least expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Warner Robins ($2.61), Columbus ($2.62), and Augusta-Aiken ($2.63)