RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Cold temperatures and fuel prices are colliding with another issue at the pump across Middle Tennessee: staffing shortages. During a review of local gas stations over the weekend and into Monday morning, a noticeable pattern emerged—several stations were unable to open during early hours due to a lack of available workers.

In multiple communities, gas stations closed earlier than usual on Saturday and Sunday nights, and some did not reopen Sunday or Monday mornings as scheduled. Employees at several locations indicated that staffing remains a challenge, particularly when nearby workers are unavailable or unable to cover early-morning shifts. While the closures were not widespread, the trend has been visible across several counties in the region.

Despite the staffing challenges, Tennessee drivers continue to benefit from comparatively low fuel prices. To start the week, Tennessee ranks 11th among the 20 states with the lowest gas prices nationwide. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.54, which is 14 cents higher than the nation’s cheapest fuel state, Oklahoma, where prices are averaging $2.40 per gallon. The national average currently stands at $2.88 per gallon.

In Middle Tennessee, however, prices are trending higher than usual in certain areas. Rutherford County, which historically sits on the lower end of the regional price scale, is currently averaging $2.65 per gallon in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne. East of Murfreesboro, Cannon County drivers are paying closer to the state average at $2.54 per gallon.

To the north, Wilson County prices are averaging $2.63 per gallon, while prices rise further west in Nashville, where the average sits at $2.69 per gallon. Williamson County continues to post the highest fuel prices in the region, with regular unleaded averaging $3.04 per gallon.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the least expensive fuel in Tennessee can currently be found in Hawkins County, located in the upper eastern portion of the state. There, drivers can refuel for approximately $2.33 per gallon.

A look at historical data shows that today’s prices remain well below levels seen during recent years:

• January 26, 2025: $2.73 (U.S. Avg: $3.08)

• January 26, 2024: $2.77 (U.S. Avg: $3.10)

• January 26, 2023: $3.28 (U.S. Avg: $3.48)

• January 26, 2022: $3.05 (U.S. Avg: $3.34)

• January 26, 2021: $2.18 (U.S. Avg: $2.41)

Diesel prices across Tennessee were averaging $3.30 per gallon Monday morning. That figure is 13 cents lower than this time last year and one cent cheaper than Sunday’s average, offering some relief to commercial drivers and those operating diesel-powered vehicles.

As winter conditions persist, drivers may continue to see fluctuations in both fuel availability and pricing, particularly during early morning hours when staffing shortages remain a factor at some Middle Tennessee gas stations.