Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
ATLANTA (March 16, 2026) Spring Break travel demand, paired with rising crude oil prices, is continuing to push gas prices higher across the state. The average price for a gallon of regular has risen to $3.51, up from last week, with drivers likely to see continued day‑to‑day fluctuations.
“As more drivers take to the roads for Spring Break, gas prices are increasing, driven in large part by crude oil costs that have climbed past $100 a barrel,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While prices remain comparable to last spring, coordinated releases from U.S. and international oil reserves are expected to help slow further increases.”
Compared to recent benchmarks:
- 29 cents higher than last week
- 79 cents higher than last month
- 61 cents higher than this time last year
For those filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the cost now comes to approximately $52.65.
Nationally: Gas Prices Rise as Spring Break Begins
Spring Break season is underway, and the national average price for a gallon of regular gas has climbed nearly 24 cents in the past week to $3.69. Prices now mirror what drivers paid last spring as warmer weather and increased travel boost demand. Crude oil prices remain a major factor at the pump, recently topping $100 a barrel. To help ease rising costs, the U.S. will release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves over the next four months as part of a broader International Energy Agency plan to release 400 million barrels, the largest emergency release in history.
Electric:
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station went up by 2 cents this past week to 41 cents. Drivers can plan ahead by checking prices along their route with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner.
Regional Prices:
Atlanta: $3.55
The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Athens ($3.55), Gainesville ($3.54), and Augusta-Aiken ($3.50).
The least expensive metro markets in Georgia are Rome ($3.45), Columbus ($3.42), and Warner Robins ($3.40).
Current and Past Price Averages (Regular Unleaded Gasoline)
| Sunday | Saturday | Week Ago | Month Ago | One Year Ago | Record High | |
| National | $3.69 | $3.67 | $3.45 | $2.92 | $3.07 | $5.01 (6/14/2022) |
| Georgia | $3.51 | $3.49 | $3.22 | $2.72 | $2.90 | $4.49 (6/15/2022) |
| Click here to view current gasoline price averages | ||||||
AAA encourages drivers to use the money-saving gas tips listed below.
Money-Saving Tips for Drivers
- Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the Fuel Price Finder.
- Consider paying in cash instead of using a credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who use a credit card.
- Enroll in fuel savings programs
Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers
- Maintain your vehicle to ensure the best fuel economy. Find a trusted automotive facility at AAA.com/Auto Repair.
- Combine errands to minimize driving time.
- Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph. Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding can reduce fuel economy.
Traffic Safety Tip: AAA-The Auto Club Group “Move Over For Me” Campaign
Video: Move Over For Me PSA
“See a disabled vehicle? Slow down and move over,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “It’s the safest choice for everyone.”
Gas Price Survey Methodology
AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day, up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
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