RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - It’s that time again — the weekly ritual where we collectively stare at gas station signs and decide whether we’re mildly annoyed or genuinely offended. Let’s start nationally. Oklahoma is once again basking in budget-fuel glory, boasting the cheapest regular unleaded in the country at $2.34 per gallon. Meanwhile, here in the Volunteer State, Tennessee has decided to go the scenic route in the wrong direction.

After briefly climbing to 8th and then 9th place for cheapest gas, Tennessee has slid back to 11th place, exactly where it stood about four weeks ago. Growth? Not exactly. According to AAA, the statewide average for regular unleaded is now $2.55 per gallon. Iowa ($2.54) and Texas ($2.55) have edged ahead in the rankings, politely waving as we drift backward. Nationwide, the average price of regular unleaded is $2.93 per gallon, a price that is .38-cents higher than Tennessee's average price at he pump for regular unleaded.

Middle Tennessee: So Close, Yet So Average - Here in Rutherford County — Murfreesboro, Smyrna and LaVergne — drivers are paying that same statewide average of $2.55 per gallon. Not terrible. Not impressive. Just… average.

Want to feel like you’ve scored a deal? Head south to Bedford County, where fuel sits around $2.52 (regular grade/per gallon). That’s a thrilling three-cent savings per gallon. North in Wilson County (Lebanon and Mt. Juliet), you’ll save about two cents at $2.53 (regular grade/per gallon).

To the east in Cannon County, regular unleaded jumps to $2.79 per gallon, proving geography is expensive. Southwest of Eagleville and into Marshall County (Chapel Hill), you’ll see about $2.62 per gallon.

And then there’s Williamson County - The Award for Highest Gas Prices Goes To… Drumroll, please... Williamson County once again claims the gold medal for highest fuel prices in Tennessee. In Brentwood and Franklin, drivers are paying an average of $3.02 per gallon for regular unleaded. That’s 47 cents more per gallon than Rutherford County. Even Nashville is cheaper at $2.60 per gallon, which means Music City drivers are saving 42 cents compared to their well-heeled neighbors to the south. For months now, Williamson County has held firm in its commitment to premium pricing — consistency is important.

What It Actually Costs to Fill Your Tank - Because most of us don’t keep our vehicle manual in the cup holder, we did the math for you (Using Regular Unleaded):

• 2025 Toyota 4Runner (19-gallon tank)

  • Rutherford County: $48.45

  • Williamson County: $57.38

  • Difference: $8.93

• 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid (12.8-gallon tank)

  • Rutherford County: $32.64

  • Williamson County: $38.65

  • Difference: About $6

• 2025 Ford F-150 (36-gallon tank, select models)

  • Murfreesboro/Smyrna: $91.80

  • Brentwood/Franklin: $108.72

  • Difference: $16.92

In practical terms, filling up in Rutherford County instead of Williamson could buy you a large pizza on the way home. Fill up in Franklin? Maybe skip dinner.

Five-Year Gas Price Snapshot (GasBuddy Data)

• Feb. 23, 2025: $2.69 (U.S. Avg: $3.08)

• Feb. 23, 2024: $2.93 (U.S. Avg: $3.27)

• Feb. 23, 2023: $3.03 (U.S. Avg: $3.35)

• Feb. 23, 2022: $3.28 (U.S. Avg: $3.55)

• Feb. 23, 2021: $2.40 (U.S. Avg: $2.65)

While today’s prices are lower than the peak years, that’s small comfort when you’re staring at a pump reading north of $3 per gallon just a county away.

For now, Tennessee may not be leading the cheap-gas parade, but at least most of Middle Tennessee isn’t wearing Williamson County’s crown.

For diesel drivers, the average price statewide is $3.38 per gallon as of Monday at 9 a.m. One year ago, on February 23, 2025, diesel averaged $3.46 per gallon — 8 cents higher than today’s price.

Nationwide Vs. Tennessee Overview: In Tennessee, the average price for premium-grade fuel is $3.40 per gallon, down 14 cents compared to this time last year. Regular unleaded is 19 cents cheaper than it was one year ago. Mid-grade fuel is also lower, averaging 6 cents less per gallon than this time last year. Nationwide, Oklahoma has the cheapest diesel at $3.22 per gallon, while Tennessee ranks 11th on the diesel price list with an average of $3.38 per gallon.