Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
ATLANTA (May 18, 2026) As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia’s extension of the gas tax suspension offers relief for drivers navigating persistently high fuel prices. The statewide average for regular gasoline currently stands at $4.00 per gallon (subject to change overnight), just 49 cents below Georgia’s record high of $4.49 set in June 2022. With prices remaining elevated, many drivers face continued uncertainty about fuel costs.
“To help ease the strain, especially during busy travel times, drivers can take simple steps to save money,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Planning your route ahead of time, comparing gas prices, and driving more efficiently can help stretch your budget. These small changes can add up and help Georgians feel more prepared and confident heading into Memorial Day and summer road trips.”
Compared to recent benchmarks:
- 5 cents lower than last week
- 35 cents higher than last month
- $1.08 higher than this time last year
For those filling up a standard 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline, the cost is approximately $60.00.
The National Gas Average Nears Record Highs as Memorial Day Travel Rises
Gas prices remain high nationwide, with the national average for regular gasoline down 1 cent to $4.51 per gallon. However, with crude oil trending above $100 per barrel, prices at the pump remain elevated and are nearing the record high of $5.01 set in 2022. With a record number of travelers expected on the road next week, drivers are likely to face the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years.
Electric:
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained the same this past week at 41 cents. Drivers can plan ahead by checking prices along their route with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner.
Regional Prices:
The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Macon ($4.05), Atlanta ($4.03), and Savannah ($4.01).
The least expensive metro markets in Georgia are Rome ($3.92), Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.87), and Brunswick ($3.83).
Current and Past Price Averages (Regular Unleaded Gasoline)
| Sunday | Saturday | Week Ago | Month Ago | One Year Ago | Record High | |
| National | $4.51 | $4.51 | $4.52 | $4.07 | $3.18 | $5.01 (6/14/2022) |
| Georgia | $4.00 | $4.00 | $4.05 | $3.65 | $2.92 | $4.49 (6/15/2022) |
| Click here to view current gasoline price averages | ||||||
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.
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