Atlanta, Georgia – Georgians getting ready to greet the new year will have some financial relief since, based on the most recent AAA data, gas prices throughout the state have slightly decreased. With a normal unleaded gallon currently costing $2.91, homeowners can fill their tanks for a bit less as the clock runs down to 2024. This indicates a two-cent modest drop from last week’s numbers.
The decline in gas prices comes amidst a period of lower crude oil costs and a post-Christmas drop in demand.
“Crude oil remains low, and demand has tapered off somewhat now that Christmas has passed, which helped gas prices drop a little,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman.
“However, Georgia drivers are expected to travel in record numbers leading up to the New Year, spanning from Saturday, December 21st to Wednesday, January 1st. Therefore, we could see a little hike in the prices at the pumps as we get closer to New Year’s Eve. Georgians should also remember we are still trending lower at the pumps compared to last year, by 10 cents.”
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In metropolitan places like Atlanta and Savannah, where it averages approximately $2.93 per gallon, the price of gas stays higher despite the current fall. By contrast, counties near the Tennessee border—Catoosa, Dade, and Walker—where prices fall to roughly $2.70 a gallon—have the least expensive gas.
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Though the national average is now $3.02, the AAA research also showed that Georgia drivers are now paying ten cents less per gallon than they did a year ago. This disparity highlights the rather better circumstances for state drivers.
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Looking at more general travel patterns, this season will finish a record-breaking run for holiday travel. Over the holiday run from December 21 to January 1, AAA estimates that about 3.7 million Georgians will have driven more than 50 miles from home. Although most of these visitors are driving, Atlanta’s Hartsville Jackson International Airport is also seeing a surge and expects to handle more than three million passengers by January 5.
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Although now lower, gas prices are subject to the uncertainties of travel habits and crude oil markets as Georgians eagerly await celebrating the new year. For many, the balance between savoring the holidays and controlling travel costs remains a delicate dance as usual.
