AAA: Tennessee Gas Prices Fall Two Cents

Published 1:19 pm Monday, October 17, 2022

NASHVILLE – After last week’s dramatic jump in pump prices, gas prices across Tennessee have reversed course and fell, on average, two cents over the course of last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.37 which is nearly 14 cents more expensive than one month ago and 27 cents more than one year ago.

“Pump price increases were minimized last week due to lingering fears of a global economic recession which helped pulled crude oil prices lower,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s likely that Tennessee gas prices will continue to fluctuate this week, however, it does seem like Tennesseans can expect pump prices to trend slightly lower overall, especially if gasoline demand remains low and crude oil prices hold steady or decline.”

• 18% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.25

• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.18 for regular unleaded

• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.70 for regular unleaded

• Tennessee is the 6th least expensive market in the nation

Fears of a global economic recession led to a major drop in the price of crude, down $7, which helped to minimize pump price increases last week. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline demand decreased as fewer drivers fueled up in the first half of October. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased nationally from 9.47 million b/d to 8.28 million b/d, and total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2 million bbl to 209.5 million bbl.

Lower gasoline demand, amid increasing supply and fluctuating oil prices, has contributed to the national average moving downward. If demand continues to drop coupled with a slide in oil prices, drivers could see increases in prices at the pump start to slow and even come down through the week.

The national average pump price for a gallon of gas decreased three cents over the past week to hit $3.88. On October 17, 2022, the national average of $3.88 was 20 cents higher than a month ago and 56 cents more than a year ago.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $3.50 to settle at $85.61. Crude prices decreased last week as global economic fears pulled crude prices lower. For this week, crude prices could continue to weaken as interest rates rise globally, which could lead to a recession. If a recession occurs, crude prices would likely reduce alongside demand. Additionally, EIA’s latest weekly report showed that total commercial crude inventories increased by 9.9 million bbl to 439.1 million bbl.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner. Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Jackson ($3.46), Memphis ($3.45), Knoxville ($3.38)

• Least expensive metro markets – Cleveland ($3.30), Chattanooga ($3.31), Johnson City ($3.32)