Gasoline prices in Cobb County and across Georgia rose by an average of 13 cents a gallon in the last week, according to AAA-The Auto Club Group, and are likely to increase more due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Regular unleaded gas prices that were commonly around $3.29 a gallon in the East Cobb area last week are now at or around $3.45 a gallon. In Cobb County overall, the AAA-calculated average is $3.48 a gallon.
The Georgia average is $3.50 a gallon, costing motorists $52.50 to fill a 15-gallon tank of gasoline.
The national average is even higher, at $3.60 a gallon. Current prices are about a dollar more than they were this time a year ago, and are closing in on record prices that exceeded $4 a gallon at the start of the economic recession in 2008.
Last week national crude prices neared $100 a barrel after a sharp 71-cents-a-gallon rise as Russian military troops invaded the Ukraine.
“As the conflict escalates with more sanctions and retaliatory actions, the oil markets will likely respond by continuing to increase the price of crude oil to reflect more risk of disruption to tight global oil supplies,” AAA-The Auto Club Group concluded.
Some tips from AAA-The Auto Club Group on saving money on gas:
- Slow down — if you’re on the highway, know that gas use increases as your car passes 50 mph. If you drive the speed limit, you could reduce your car’s fuel consumption.
- Drive more gently — gradually brake and accelerate, rather than stomping on the gas pedal or brake pedal.
- Avoid engine idling — it can waste fuel.
- Make one trip, instead of many — make a comprehensive list of items you need to buy and then make a single trip outside of your home, rather than multiple short trips.
- Clean out the car — lighter cars use less fuel. Get the junk out of your trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments.
- Stay regular on vehicle maintenance — get your car checked out regularly and make sure your tires are filled to the correct pressure level.
You can check more gas prices by clicking here.
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