Gas prices up 9 cents, likely to keep rising

By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Gas prices rose 9 cents in Georgia last week, up to an average of $3.82 per gallon of regular.

The national average was up 8 cents to $3.94.

And experts say the price is likely to keep rising.

"Oil and gas prices are expected to increase again this week if the value of the dollar remains at a reduced value against other currencies such as the euro and the pound," AAA South spokeswoman Jessica Brady said.

"Consumers in the Southeast will see a 6- to 9-cent jump in pump prices at the start of the week as a result of the refinery shutdowns in Texas and Alabama [due to severe weather]. The national average price for regular retail gasoline is now 6 cents shy of $4 a gallon, a price that could be reached later this week."

In addition, Georgia's adjusted gas tax took effect Sunday, a factor  not included in AAA's figures. Before, drivers paid 10.1 cents of tax on every gallon. Now they'll pay 12.9 cents.

The tax in Georgia is a flat 7.5 cents per gallon, plus an amount based on price.

The portion based on price is set on Jan. 1 and July 1, but it automatically goes up between those dates when the price rises 25 percent or more.