AAA: Tennessee gas prices rise another 31 cents

NASHVILLE — Tennessee gas prices rose an additional 31 cents, on average, over last week, according to a news release from AAA. The state average is now $3.34, which is 82 cents more expensive than one month ago and 63 cents more than one year ago. "Continued uncertainty and volatility in the crude oil market are putting upward pressure on our local gas prices," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "If crude oil prices remain elevated again this week, it's likely drivers are in for more increases at the pump. How high prices will rise will ultimately depend on how long the conflict with Iran continues and whether there are futher effects on global fuel supplies." NATIONAL GAS PRICES Spring break season is here as the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 25 cents since last week. Current prices are similar to the spring of 2024. Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road. Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100 per barrel mark multiple times in recent days. To help offset rising prices, the U.S. announced it will release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves over four months. The move is part of a broader effort by the International Energy Agency to release a total of 400 million barrels of oil, the largest emergency release in its history. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand increased last week from 8.29 million barrels per day to 9.24 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 253.1 million barrels to 249.5 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.9 million barrels per day. OIL MARKET DYNAMICS At the close of Wednesday's formal trading session, WTI rose $3.80 to settle at $87.25 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 3.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 443.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 2% below the five-year average for this time of year. REGIONAL PRICES Most expensive metro markets: Memphis ($3.44), Jackson ($3.42), Nashville ($3.34) Least expensive metro markets: Clarksville ($3.24), Morristown ($3.28), Knoxville ($3.29) GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY TANK Avoid rapid starts and hard braking to improve fuel efficiency. Maintain steady speeds and use cruise control when appropriate. Lighten your load by removing unnecessary cargo and roof racks. Check tire pressure monthly and keep tires inflated to the recommended level. Keep up with maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacement. Combine errands to limit cold starts and unnecessary trips. WAYS TO SAVE AT THE PUMP Shop around. Download the AAA mobile app to compare prices near you and find lower-cost stations in your area. Determine fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA's Gas Cost Calculator. Join savings programs. Drivers who enroll in the AAA Fuel Rewards program can save money on every fill up where applicable. Pay with cash or the lower-cost method if the station offers different prices by payment type. Use loyalty programs and coupons offered by grocery chains and retailers. Choose regular grade when your owner's manual recommends it rather than premium. Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic where stop-and-go conditions waste fuel. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.