NASHVILLE — Gas prices across Tennessee have reversed course and are trending much more expensive compared to last week, according to AAA.
Gas prices, on average, jumped 17 cents over the course of last week. The state average is now $2.90, which is 10 cents less expensive than one month ago and 8 cents less than one year ago.
"Temporary refinery issues caused by the winter storm in late December coupled with a brief spike in gasoline demand from those hitting the road for the holidays have caused gas prices across the state to rise," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Even with the recent spike in pump prices, we are still seeing prices less expensive than both a month and a one year ago. It's likely that gas prices will remain volatile through this week, however, it does seem like the rate of increase in our state gas price average has slowed compared to last week."
Quick facts
21% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75.
The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.67 for regular unleaded.
The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.28 for regular unleaded.
Tennessee is the 10th least expensive market in the nation.
National gas prices
The late December winter storm and its frigid temperatures caused gas prices to spike, with refineries as far south as Texas and the Gulf Coast forced to shut down temporarily.
The storm also caused holiday travelers to fuel up and hit the road early to beat the bad weather, leading to a spike in overall gas demand. The national average for a gallon of gas rose 12 cents last week to hit $3.22.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.7 to 9.3 billion barrels per day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell by 3 million barrels to 223 million barrels. More demand and less supply pushed pump prices higher.
The national average of $3.22 is 20 cents less than one month ago and 6 cents less than a year ago.
National oil market dynamics
At the close of Friday's formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.86 to settle at $80.26, AAA reported.
A weaker dollar contributed to rising crude prices. Crude prices rose despite the EIA reporting that total domestic commercial crude stocks increased by 800,000 barrels to 419 million barrels.
The increase signals that oil demand may be weakening amid ongoing market concerns that a recession or economic slowdown could occur this year. If economic growth falters, crude demand will likely drop alongside prices.
Tennessee regional prices
Most expensive metro markets: Johnson City ($3.09), Morristown ($3.03), Kingsport ($3.02)
Least expensive metro markets: Chattanooga ($2.79), Cleveland ($2.82), Clarksville ($2.83)
