RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Gas prices across the Volunteer State are continuing their upward climb, apparently determined to see just how much motorists are willing to pay before they begin reconsidering every unnecessary trip. On Monday, the statewide average for a gallon of regular 87-octane gasoline stood at $3.61. By early Wednesday morning, the average had gained another penny, reaching $3.62 per gallon. That puts Tennessee gas prices nine cents higher than one month ago and 87 cents above where they were one year ago.
"Market uncertainty mixed with strong summer travel demand means that it's likely we'll see another round of increases in our local gas prices this week," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA–The Auto Club Group.
In Rutherford County, regular-grade gasoline averaged $3.60 per gallon early Wednesday. Drivers in neighboring Wilson County were paying the same amount. Nashville also matched Rutherford County at $3.60 per gallon, marking the first time in at least two years that motorists in Music City and Rutherford County were reportedly paying the same average price.
East of Murfreesboro, drivers in Cannon County were paying slightly more, with regular gasoline averaging $3.66 per gallon in the Woodbury area. In Williamson County, motorists may want to review their monthly budget before filling an empty tank. The Brentwood and Franklin area reported an average of $3.74 per gallon for regular gasoline. Despite the higher price, the fuel is believed to contain roughly the same ingredients as the gasoline sold in Murfreesboro, Smyrna and La Vergne.
Drivers whose vehicles require premium gasoline are facing an even more expensive stop at the pump. Premium fuel averaged $4.49 per gallon statewide Wednesday morning, up two cents from Monday’s average of $4.47. Mid-grade gasoline stood at an average of $4.08 per gallon.
The year-over-year increases are especially noticeable. At the same time last year, premium gasoline averaged $3.62 per gallon in Tennessee, while mid-grade fuel averaged $3.21. That means premium and mid-grade prices have each risen by approximately 87 cents over the past year.
Diesel prices have also moved sharply higher. Tennessee diesel averaged $4.84 per gallon early Wednesday, compared with $4.60 one week ago and $3.46 one year ago. For diesel drivers, the price increase amounts to 24 cents in one week and $1.38 over the past year — enough to make even a routine fill-up feel like a major financial decision.
