AAA: TN Gas Prices Rise Two Cents, On Average

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (April 5, 2021) — After declining for the first time this year, the Tennessee gas price average rose two cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.69 which is nearly 14 cents more than one month ago and 99 cents more than one year ago.

"We anticipate demand will continue to increase throughout the month as vaccinations become more widely available and weather turns warmer," said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Drivers can expect fluctuation at the pump throughout the spring driving season."

Quick Facts

• 79% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $2.75
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.51 for regular unleaded
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $2.96 for regular unleaded

National Gas Prices

Gasoline demand measured 8.9 million b/d in the Energy Administration's (EIA) latest weekly report, up nearly 4% from the week prior. Because of the jump in demand, gasoline supplies tightened to 230.5 million bbl, the lowest level this year, and state gas prices averages saw major fluctuations. On the week, states saw pump price changes ranging from an increase of 15 cents to a decrease of 3 cents.

Today's national average is $2.87, which is more expensive on the week (+1 cent), month (+12 cents) and year (+94 cents).

One factor that may help to keep the national gas price average below $3/gallon is the price of crude, which accounts for nearly 60% of the price at the pump. After hitting a 12-month high of $66/bbl last month, crude has been priced mostly at the $60/bbl mark recently. If it stays low, even with demand increasing, it will contribute to less frequent pump price jumps. However, at the end of last week, crude started to see higher movement following a production announcement by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+).

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of last week's formal trading session, WTI increased $2.29 to settle at $61.45. Crude oil prices saw gains at the end of the week following the OPEC+ announcement that they will modestly increase production by 350,000 bbl starting in May. The production increase is less than the market expected, but enough to send crude oil prices higher. This week prices are likely to fluctuate, but not spike.

Tennessee Regional Prices

• Most expensive metro markets – Memphis ($2.74), Nashville ($2.71), Clarksville ($2.71)
• Least expensive metro markets – Chattanooga ($2.65), Kingsport ($2.67), Knoxville ($2.67)

Tennessee Gas Price Averages

(Price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline)

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 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA's mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.