Metro drivers pay a little more for gas

Fuel prices about a dime higher than a month ago in Atlanta.

Gas prices in metro Atlanta are a dime-a-gallon higher than a month ago.

Overall, 2017 prices are running about 20 cents higher than a year ago: Currently, gasoline averages about $2.31 a gallon in the region — although it ranges from $2.09 to $2.89, depending where you fill up.

A year ago, Atlanta gasoline averaged $2.10 a gallon, according to AAA.

The trend toward rising prices is especially unwelcome right now, when more people are spending more time crawling along on the highways, thanks to the collapse of a section of I-85.

The result of the more intense congestion is more gas consumption, with more fumes drifting into the air and drivers making more frequent stops at the pump.

“I’d say consumption would rise as detours likely add time to motorists’ commutes,” said Garrett Townsend, spokesman for AAA in Georgia.

Atlanta is the most expensive market in Georgia, according to AAA.

Gas is still cheap compared to about three years ago, when prices averaged more than $3 a gallon.

That has fueled more driving, Townsend said, adding that demand is slightly up from a year ago.

Gas prices are driven mostly by oil prices, which have been climbing worldwide: Oil prices last week were up nearly $2-a-barrel from the week before.

Prices in the United States are shaped by global markets. Even with the surge of domestic oil production, the U.S. industry produces less than half the oil needed by the country.

Costs are likely to rise more in coming months: gasoline prices typically rise as summer approaches. The price is already higher in Atlanta than the spring peak of 2016, according to GasBuddy.