Gas prices in Georgia declined 3 cents last week. The state average of $2.79 per gallon is the lowest daily price in 20 days.

Average Summer Gas Prices

                   2014    2015    2016    2017    Today
National    $3.57    $2.71    $2.23    $2.31    $2.92
Florida    $3.50    $2.58    $2.19    $2.25    $2.81
Georgia    $3.48    $2.57    $2.11    $2.18    $2.79
Tennessee    $3.35    $2.45    $2.03    $2.08    $2.68

Since peaking at $2.84 on May 27, gas prices have declined 14 consecutive days for a total of 6 cents.

Despite the discount, motorists are still paying 59 cents per gallon more than this time last year.

The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Atlanta ($2.84), Athens ($2.83), and Gainesville ($2.80)

The least expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Warner Robins ($2.66), Augusta-Aiken ($2.66), Dalton ($2.66)

"Gas prices could drop another 5 cents this week, unless the market suddenly shifts course," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Prices at the pump are still adjusting to the recent drop in oil and wholesale gasoline, due to the potential of increased crude output from OPEC. However, there is still volatility in the market, and pump prices could move higher if OPEC decides against easing production cuts at a meeting later this month."

Saudi Arabia increased production last month by 100,000 barrels a day, after curtailing output by nearly two years. The Kingdom was part of an agreement with other OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers to reduce output in hopes of raising oil prices. The production cut worked; the oil market tightened and crude prices reached near 4-year highs. However, there are growing concerns that strong demand would soon outpace supplies, and economies will suffer as a result of the higher prices. Because of this, the participants in this agreement are set to reconvene on June 22 to discuss increasing output.

U.S. crude prices settled at $65.74 per barrel on Friday - a 7 cent decline from the week before, and $6.50 less than this year's high.

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