Gas prices low, but edging up

Ah, just when you were getting used to gas prices falling, suddenly the arrow is pointing the other way.

A combination of factors is nudging the price at the pump upwards again, according AAA. Nationally, the average is up two pennies, but it’s up seven cents in Florida and three in Tennessee.

How about Georgia? Just a penny, but still, the wrong direction, if you’re a driver.

Some of the increase is normal seasonal maintenance of the refineries, which cuts down on the supply of gas temporarily.

And some of the increase is more demand – that’s you, driving more, partly because gas has been cheaper and partly because more people have jobs to drive to.

But as bad news, it’s basically a tease, said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA.

“For the first time in recent memory year-over-year discounts are below the $1 per gallon benchmark, largely because gas prices began falling this time last year,” he said.

“Consumers are saving 93 cents per gallon versus this same date last year,” he said. “Prices are still forecast to slip back toward $2 a gallon by the end of the year.”

The average price across the state is $2.16 a gallon, says AAA, but many stations are charging under a buck a gallon.

Metro Atlanta’s average price for regular unleaded was still lower Tuesday than the national average ($2.54), and still lower than the average metro price a year ago ($3.72). (Getty Images)

About the Author

Carter’s to cut 150 stores, 300 office jobs. Tariffs are a big reason why.

Atlanta-based children’s apparel maker Carter’s plans to cut 300 jobs, or 15% of its office workforce, as the company contends with cost increases from new tariffs.