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NASHVILLE — Gas prices across Tennessee rose by 10 cents, on average, over the past week, bringing the state’s average to $2.80 per gallon. That’s one cent more than a month ago but 34 cents less than this time last year, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“Tennessee gas prices moved higher over last week, with over half of our major metro areas seeing double-digit increases in their metro averages,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson for AAA. “Gas price increases this time of year are not uncommon, especially given the recent increase in crude oil pricing. The good news is that we are still seeing prices at the pump over 30 cents cheaper than we were at this time last year.”

National gas price trends

With Spring Break in full swing, drivers nationwide are also seeing higher prices. The national average for a gallon of gas increased by four cents since last Thursday, reaching $3.16. Prices typically begin rising in the spring and peak during summer. However, this year’s national average remains about 37 cents lower than last year due to lower gasoline demand and weaker crude oil prices.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand fell from 8.81 million barrels per day to 8.64 million. Domestic gasoline supply also dropped from 240.6 million barrels to 239.1 million, while production averaged 9.2 million barrels per day last week.

Oil market update

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 65 cents to settle at $69.65 per barrel. The EIA reports U.S. crude inventories decreased by 3.3 million barrels, bringing total inventory to 433.6 million barrels—about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Regional gas price snapshot

Tennessee’s most expensive metro markets:

• Nashville: $2.85

• Jackson: $2.83

• Morristown: $2.81

Least expensive metro markets:

• Cleveland: $2.73

• Chattanooga: $2.74

• Clarksville: $2.75