RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Tennessee motorists received another cheerful reminder last week that the numbers posted outside gas stations are apparently permitted to move in both directions.
After several weeks of relief, gasoline prices reversed course and climbed an average of 13 cents across the Volunteer State. Tennessee’s average for regular unleaded reached $3.49 per gallon Monday, which is still 14 cents cheaper than one month ago but 69 cents more expensive than at the same time last year. (AAA Newsroom)
In other words, drivers are paying less than they were recently, considerably more than they were last summer, and exactly enough to make every stop at the pump feel like an advanced mathematics exercise.
Rutherford County motorists were paying an average of $3.53 per gallon Monday afternoon. Drivers south of Murfreesboro were finding no meaningful escape in Bedford County, where the average was also $3.53. Evidently, the county line does not provide immunity from higher fuel prices.
There was better news east of Rutherford County. Cannon County’s average stood at $3.43 per gallon, making gasoline in the Woodbury area approximately 10 cents cheaper than in Rutherford County. That marked the first time in at least seven months that Cannon County’s average had fallen below the price being paid by many motorists in Murfreesboro.
To the north, Wilson County averaged $3.51 per gallon, about two cents less than the Rutherford County average. Two cents may not finance a vacation, but after filling a large fuel tank, it might at least cover part of the sales tax on a pack of chewing gum.
Across Tennessee, the least expensive gasoline was reported in Rhea County, where regular unleaded averaged $3.28 per gallon. Curiously, motorists did not have to travel far to encounter the other end of the pricing spectrum.
Neighboring Bledsoe County posted the state’s highest average at $3.79 per gallon. That was five cents more than Williamson County, which frequently occupies the top of Tennessee’s unwanted list of expensive places to purchase gasoline.
For once, Williamson County drivers can look elsewhere and say, “At least it’s not us.”
AAA attributed the latest increase largely to renewed pressure on crude-oil prices amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Recent hostilities and concerns involving shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to volatility in global oil markets and higher gasoline prices nationwide.
“Crude oil prices are facing renewed upward pressure after tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated recently,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Given the shift in crude oil prices, it's likely we'll continue to see gas price fluctuations across the state again this week.”
“Fluctuations,” of course, is the polite industry term for watching the price climb before payday and decline shortly after motorists have already filled their tanks.
Despite the increase, Tennessee remained one of the country’s less expensive gasoline markets, ranking ninth lowest nationally. The state average was also well below the national figure of approximately $3.87 per gallon Monday.
Indiana reported the country’s lowest statewide average at approximately $3.23 per gallon, while Hawaii occupied the opposite end of the spectrum at roughly $5.44 per gallon.
At $5.44, Hawaii motorists may reasonably expect the gasoline to come with an ocean view and complimentary room service.
For Tennessee drivers, AAA warned that prices could continue shifting as crude-oil markets respond to international developments. That means motorists may want to compare nearby stations, avoid unnecessary trips and resist the urge to celebrate whenever prices fall by three cents, since the pump has demonstrated a remarkable ability to reclaim those savings—with interest.
