Still Lowest Gas Prices In Tennessee

Gas prices rose 2 cents nationwide last week, as prices in the southeast face upward pressure. Wholesale gasoline prices rose 8 cents in Florida and Georgia, and 7 cents in Tennessee. Here in Murfreesboro, some discounters started the week with regular gas at $2.44 per gallon. That's a 2-cent increase, however the 'Boro still has the lowest gas prices in the state.

Gas prices in Tennessee held steady last week, but face upward pressure heading into Monday. Wholesale prices rose 6 cents in the past few days, raising the price for retailers to fill their tanks.

Gas prices in Tennessee averaged $2.61 per gallon on Sunday. The state average is 2 cents more than a month ago and 53 cents more than a year ago.

Click here to view AAA's state and metro gas price averages

• The most expensive gas price averages in Tennessee are in Jackson ($2.67), Memphis ($2.65), and Nashville ($2.64)
• The least expensive gas price averages in Tennessee are in Murfreesboro ($2.44), Cleveland ($2.52), Chattanooga ($2.54), Kingsport-Bristol ($2.56)

"Motorists may see higher gas prices this week," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Strong demand and lower inventories pushed wholesale prices higher. The added cost for retailers will likely be passed along to motorists. Based on demand figures, summer drivers are unfazed by higher prices at the pump this year. Fortunately, a potential 5-10 cent increase this week would still leave pump prices below this year's highs."

Although oil prices held relatively steady last week, gasoline futures surged for the second week. The price for gasoline on the NYMEX rose a total of 16 cents during the past two weeks, pushing wholesale gas prices higher. Gasoline rose in response to EIA data that showed a dip in gasoline supply inventories, as gasoline demand reaches near record levels. Gasoline demand for the week of July 20, was the fourth highest weekly rate this year.

Gas Price Tools

• GasPrices.AAA.com - Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages
• AAA Mobile app - Free app that compares gas prices near you
• Gas Cost Calculator - Determine how much gasoline will cost on your next road trip

Fuel Savings Tips

Drive Sensibly - Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.

• Gas mileage can be reduced 15-30% at highway speeds / 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic
• The equivalent of 27¢ - $1.08 per gallon

Observe the speed limit

• Not only is it safer - but it can help you save money
• Gas mileage rapidly declines at speeds above 50 mph
• Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional 19 cents per gallon for gasoline

Lose the weight

• Using your trunk for storage can cost you by way of lower fuel economy
• Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle.
• An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle reduces your miles per gallon by about 1%
• Like paying an additional 3 cents per gallon for every 100 pounds

Use cruise control

• Cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed
• Conversely, constant throttling at high speeds consumes gasoline much faster

Avoid excess idling

• Idling uses a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour
• Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked
• It only takes 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle

Combine trips

• Saves time and money
• Fuel economy is better when your engine is warmed up and you make multiple stops

Inflate tires

• Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage up to 3%
• It can mean the difference of a couple cents per gallon
• Find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline