Rutherford County, TN – Start your engines (and maybe your budgeting apps)! As of this week, the average gallon of regular unleaded gasoline across Rutherford County is sitting at a cool $2.78 — and by "cool," we mean slightly hotter than we'd like. According to AAA, prices are starting the week on the higher side in the Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and LaVergne areas, making that afternoon Sonic run feel just a little more luxurious.
Drive a few miles south of the 'Boro and into Bedford County, you'll find gas prices ever so slightly friendlier at $2.77 per gallon. (That’s right — a whole penny cheaper. Big spender energy.) Head north into Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, and it’s basically a mirror image of Rutherford at $2.78.
Meanwhile, over in Williamson County — the Beverly Hills of Middle Tennessee gas prices — a gallon of 87-octane will set you back a whopping $3.27. Over in Nashville, Music City drivers are tapping their toes to the slightly less painful tune of $2.85 per gallon. Not cheap, but when compared to Williamson County, it feels like a bargain.
After three straight weeks of declining prices, Tennessee gas prices decided they missed the drama and crept up again last week. According to AAA, the state average climbed seven cents compared to the week before. The good news? Even with the recent uptick, gas is still about 48 cents cheaper than it was this time last year. Drivers may want to celebrate — but maybe not by driving extra laps around town.
"Last week we saw our state gas price average fluctuate as high as $2.80, but then drop down over the weekend to $2.77," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Even with last week's increases, drivers are still seeing prices at the pump nearly 50 cents cheaper than this time last year." Translation: It could be worse, and at least it’s not 2022.
Nationally, gas prices are being dragged up slightly by nicer weather and increased demand, but they’re still hovering lower than last year. The national average sits at $3.14 a gallon, helped along by the fact that crude oil prices are lounging at $62 a barrel — down significantly from $82 a year ago.
It only took one week for Tennessee to slip downward on the top ten list of states with the cheapest gas in the nation. Today (Monday), the Volunteer State has tumbled down the list to catch itself on the lip of number 7.
Across Tennessee, the most expensive metro areas for gas include Nashville ($2.85), Johnson City ($2.82), and Jackson ($2.79). For those seeking refuge (and slightly cheaper fill-ups), Morristown ($2.67), Clarksville ($2.69), and Knoxville ($2.72) are waving their gas station flags proudly.
So if you’re planning a road trip, maybe pick a route where every penny saved at the pump can go toward more important things — like snacks.
