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NASHVILLE — Gas prices across Tennessee held steady over the past week, with the state average remaining at $2.70 per gallon. That figure is five cents lower than one month ago and 49 cents less than one year ago, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“Tennessee currently has the third least expensive state gas price average in the country,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While gas prices across the state remain low, we’re heading into a time of expected seasonal upward pressure on pump prices. Factors like refinery maintenance, increasing demand for gasoline, and the switch to summer-blend gasoline typically keep upward pressure on pump prices throughout spring.”

National Trends

Nationally, gas prices saw a modest increase, with the average price for a gallon rising by about five cents over the last week to $3.12. While crude oil prices remain below $70 per barrel, the seasonal transition to summer-blend gasoline—a more expensive fuel designed to reduce evaporation in warmer temperatures—is contributing to the uptick at the pump.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand declined from 9.18 million barrels per day to 8.81 million barrels. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply dipped from 241.1 million barrels to 240.6 million. Production increased slightly, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

On Monday, the national average was $3.12, two cents less than a month ago and 41 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Oil Market Update

At the close of Wednesday’s trading session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 26 cents to settle at $67.16 per barrel. Crude oil inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels, bringing total U.S. stockpiles to 437.0 million barrels—about 5% below the five-year seasonal average.

Tennessee Metro Prices

Most expensive metro areas:

• Jackson: $2.77
• Memphis: $2.77
• Johnson City: $2.73

Least expensive metro areas:

• Chattanooga: $2.59
• Clarksville: $2.61
• Cleveland: $2.62