Nashville, TN – The Tennessee gas price average held steady over the last week with the state average remaining unchanged from the previous week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.69 which is the same as one month ago and $1.15 more than one year ago.
“While April saw minimal fluctuation, May is likely to see much larger increases alongside demand spikes, especially closer to Memorial Day weekend,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Compared to May 2019, U.S. gasoline demand is down only 4% and gas prices are, on average, just two cents more.”
Quick Facts
- 76% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75
- The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.49 for regular unleaded
- The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.97 for regular unleaded
- Tennessee remains the 10th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
At the start of May, the national gas price average is $2.90, which is three cents more than a month ago. Pump prices in April saw minimal variability compared to March, which increased 15 cents from start to finish. Stable crude oil prices amid fluctuating demand helped keep the national average price jumps nominal last month.
On the week, the national average increased two cents. Ten states saw averages increase between five and eight cents, but the majority of states saw increases of one to three cents. The pump price changes come amid a flux in supply and demand. For the week ending April 23rd, the Energy Information Administration reported gasoline stocks saw a small 100,000 bbl build to reach the 135 million bbl mark.
That is the highest supply rate since the end of February and an 8.3 million bbl surplus compared to the same time two years ago. While supply increased, demand saw a decrease of 3% to 8.87 million b/d.
Summer Fuel Supply
Last week, media reports surfaced that a shortage of fuel tank truck drivers may impact gasoline availability this summer. As gasoline demand increases, gas stations are working to adjust delivery schedules to keep pace. However, deliveries may be delayed in a small number of markets this summer causing select stations to see low to no fuel at some pumps for short periods, one or two days.
“With road trips expected to be popular this summer, some summer travel destinations, like beaches or mountains, may see some pumps affected. It is important to understand this is not a market-wide impact. Gas can be found at other stations within a market,” said Cooper. “The U.S. is not looking at a gas supply shortage; there is ample gasoline supply across the country. It is just a matter of more frequent deliveries to stations to meet demand.”
In markets where this happened last month, it was contained within a brand/chain at a select number of pumps. As a rule of thumb in general, AAA recommends that motorists consider filling up when their fuel level hits a quarter of a tank.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $1.43 to settle at $63.58. Although prices ended the day with a decrease, supported by a strong dollar, the price of crude increased by nearly $1.50 per barrel on the week. Increased market optimism that crude demand will recover, despite surging coronavirus infection rates in Asia, helped to lift prices. Prices could continue to climb this week if the market remains optimistic.
Additionally, prices increased last week after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) and its allies, including Russia, recommended leaving in place a recent agreement to gradually increase crude production by at least 2.1 million b/d in May and June. At the next OPEC+ meeting on June 1st, the cartel will determine crude output levels for July and August.
Tennessee Regional Prices
- Most expensive metro markets – Memphis ($2.75), Johnson City ($2.73), Jackson ($2.72)
- Least expensive metro markets – Cleveland ($2.61), Chattanooga ($2.64), Knoxville ($2.66)
Tennessee Gas Price Averages
(Price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline)
 |
Monday |
Sunday |
Week Ago |
Month Ago |
One Year Ago |
|
Tennessee |
$2.693 |
$2.694 |
$2.687 |
$2.692 |
$1.541 |
|
Chattanooga |
$2.636 |
$2.642 |
$2.619 |
$2.648 |
$1.485 |
|
Knoxville |
$2.662 |
$2.661 |
$2.657 |
$2.672 |
$1.503 |
|
Memphis |
$2.745 |
$2.745 |
$2.738 |
$2.733 |
$1.442 |
|
Nashville |
$2.716 |
$2.718 |
$2.717 |
$2.717 |
$1.703 |
|
Click here to view current gasoline price averages |
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About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more.
ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety.
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