RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Tennessee motorists had their moment of glory back in April when the Volunteer State proudly wore the silver medal for second cheapest gas in the country. Fast forward a few months, and now we’ve slid to fifth place, according to AAA – the Auto Club. Don’t worry, though — we’re still on the “cheap gas podium,” just a little further from the spotlight.
Oklahoma is the overachiever this week, posting $2.59 a gallon for regular unleaded, with Mississippi and Texas hot on their heels at $2.67 and $2.69. Tennessee, at number five on the cheap gas list, is seeing an average price of $2.73 per gallon for regular unleaded. At number six on the list – and nearly tied with the Volunteer State ($2.732), is Arkansas at $2.735 per gallon for regular unleaded. Translation: the bragging rights are worth less than the change stuck under your car seat.
Locally, Rutherford County sits comfortably at $2.67 a gallon, earning us the “not too hot, not too cold” ranking of 25th cheapest out of 95 Tennessee counties. But if you’re craving a bargain, head south to Shelbyville in Bedford County, where regular unleaded is a cool $2.60 per gallon. Bedford County is tied with Hamilton County — so Chattanooga drivers can fill up and still afford a MoonPie.
In Coffee County, gas is four cents cheaper than Rutherford County, while Wilson County residents are paying a penny more. Cannon County, meanwhile, proves small-town living doesn’t mean small prices, with a jarring $2.90 a gallon. And Nashville? $2.81 per gallon — apparently, “Music City” adds a surcharge for every guitar riff.
If you’re serious about saving, your road trip destination is Paris — Tennessee, not France. Drivers there can refuel for $2.54 a gallon, but you’ll burn about 150 miles of gas just getting there. By then, you might as well have stayed in nearby Brentwood, where Williamson County’s “liquid gold” goes for $3.08. The good news? The view of your neighbors’ luxury SUVs should distract you from the price at the pump. Not to mention, the price for gas in Williamson County has remained in the sparkling spotlight as the place for the most expensive gas in the state all year long.
Premium gas fans will be thrilled to know Tennessee only ranks ninth cheapest nationwide at $3.58 per gallon, while Oklahoma wins again at $3.27. If you’re feeling nostalgic for sticker shock, just head west — California and Washington still lead the “why bother owning a car” category with regular unleaded above $4.50 per gallon. Premium grade fuel in Cali and Washington remain the highest as well, at $5.07 and $5.04 per gallon, respectively.
Historic 10-Year Look at Tennessee Vs. United States Average Gas Prices (GasBuddy.com):
September 29, 2024: $2.74/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.17/g)
September 29, 2023: $3.30/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.81/g)
September 29, 2022: $3.19/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.73/g)
September 29, 2021: $2.86/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.18/g)
September 29, 2020: $1.91/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.18/g)
September 29, 2019: $2.35/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.64/g)
September 29, 2018: $2.61/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.87/g)
September 29, 2017: $2.45/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.55/g)
September 29, 2016: $2.13/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.21/g)
September 29, 2015: $1.99/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.28/g)
On the diesel front, Tennessee is clinging to ninth place with an average of $3.41 per gallon, while Texas keeps its crown with a friendlier $3.16. Hawaii, however, wins the “ouch” award at $5.17 a gallon, proving paradise always comes with a surcharge.
So yes, Tennessee has dropped from its silver medal spot for regular unleaded. But hey, we’re still in the top five — and in the world of gas prices, that’s basically like winning Miss Congeniality.
