MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS NEWS) - If you’re feeling a little emotional at the gas pump lately, you’re not alone - - and no, it’s not allergies. Just 75 days ago, drivers across Rutherford County, from Murfreesboro to Smyrna and La Vergne - were filling up regular unleaded for a cheerful $2.45 per gallon. Toss in a few grocery reward points, and some folks were practically celebrating in the parking lot like they’d just won the lottery.

Fast forward to today, and those same pumps now read an average of $4.06 per gallon. That’s a $1.61 jump for 87-octane, because apparently, inflation decided your commute needed a little extra drama. Rewards points? Cute. They now shave off just enough to keep the tears slightly blurred as you watch the total climb.

In nearby Shelbyville, drivers are seeing about $4.00 per gallon, while next door counties to the west are pushing $4.17, according to AAA. Then there’s Clay County, where prices have climbed to a state-high of $4.32 per gallon, a contest they can proudly say they won. Sure, a few places are sitting at $3.88, but calling that “cheap” now feels like calling a thunderstorm “a light drizzle.”

Over in Nashville, commuters are paying around $4.07 per gallon, which translates to roughly $81.40 for a 20-gallon tank. At this point, some drivers may be reconsidering their career choices - - or at least their zip codes.

Nationally, the plot thickens. Georgia now boasts one of the lowest average gas prices at $3.85 per gallon. Yes, you read that right - $3.85 is the “good deal” in 2026. Tennessee lands at number 14 among the 20 cheapest states for fuel, with an average of $4.03 per gallon. Not exactly a bragging point, but at least it’s something.

For drivers who insist on premium fuel, brace yourself. Tennessee’s average sits at $4.89 per gallon. Many motorists have quietly downgraded to mid-grade, despite what their vehicle manuals strongly suggest. At these prices, some are considering mailing their fuel receipts directly to the automaker, just to see if anyone there has a sense of humor.

Out west, things get even more surreal. In California, regular unleaded averages $6.11 per gallon, with premium hitting $6.53. Fill up a 25-gallon tank, and you’re looking at $150-plus, assuming your card doesn’t tap out first. Cali's nearby friends just one-state-away in Washington are not far behind at $5.67 per gallon.

DIESEL DRIVERS: Diesel drivers aren’t exactly celebrating, either. In Tennessee, diesel averages $5.22 per gallon, according to AAA. Sure, the state ranks 11th lowest nationally, but when California diesel is pushing $7.50 and Hawaii hovers around $7.06, that’s not exactly comforting, it’s just slightly less painful. Scroll down for a 5-year-look at gas prices. 

5-YEAR LOOK at PAST GAS PRICES: And for those keeping score at home, here’s how things have evolved over the past five years in Tennessee verses the national average price of gas, according to GasBuddy.com:

• 2025: $2.68/g in TN vs. $3.12/g U.S. Average

• 2024: $3.31/g in TN vs. $3.64/g U.S. Average

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 2023: $3.14/g in TN vs. $3.55/g U.S. Average

  

• 2022: $3.97/g in TN vs. $4.24/g U.S. Average

• 2021: $2.67/g in TN vs. $2.92/g U.S. Average

So yes, we’ve essentially come full circle - - just at a much higher altitude. The takeaway? If you see gas under $3 again, you may want to stop, fill up, and take a photo. Future generations might not believe you.

February 16, 2026: Take a look back, just 77-days ago, at how gas prices have jumped in Rutherford County by clicking the below graphic...