AAA: TN gas prices rise 24 cents

Tennessee gas prices reached record highs last week

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 (March 14, 2022) - Gas prices rose 24 cents, on average, across the state last week. Tennessee gas prices reached a new record-high average price of $4.13 per gallon on Friday. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $4.11 which is 85 cents more expensive than one month ago and $1.44 more than one year ago.  

"After rising to record-high prices in Tennessee on Friday, the state gas price average held steady over the weekend," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "It's too early to tell if this trend will continue, however, as fuel prices remain extremely volatile. Any further disruptions or escalations in the current crisis in Ukraine, or any large jumps in crude oil pricing could cause prices at the pump to surge upward."

Quick Facts

  • 24% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $4.00 
  • The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.93 for regular unleaded 
  • The highest 10% of pump prices are $4.32 for regular unleaded
  • Tennessee surpassed it's previous highest recorded average price for gasoline on March 11 with a state average of $4.13

National Gas Prices

After cresting above $123 per barrel shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price of crude oil has gradually fallen below $110. If this trend holds, it may remove some of the extreme upward price pressure consumers have found at the pump, but not all. The national average price of a gallon of gas hit $4.33 on Friday, March 11, before falling a penny and holding throughout the weekend and Monday at $4.32.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 1.4 million bbl to 244.6 million bbl last week. Meanwhile, gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.74 million b/d to 8.96 million b/d. The increase in gas demand and a reduction in total supply contribute to rising pump prices. But, increasing oil prices play the lead role in pushing gas prices higher. Consumers can expect the current trend at the pump to continue as long as crude prices climb.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $4.32, which is 26 cents more than a week ago, 84 cents more than a month ago, and $1.47 more than a year ago.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $3.31 to settle at $109.33. Crude prices surged then eased last week in response to President Biden announcing a ban of Russian energy imports, including crude oil. Crude prices have eased as the market continues to find replacement barrels of oil and further supply growth for the tight market becomes apparent. However, the market remains volatile and additional disruptions or escalation of the current crisis in Ukraine could cause prices to surge again this week. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased by 1.8 million bbl last week to 411.6 million bbl. The current stock level is approximately 17% lower than at the end of February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

  • Most expensive metro markets - Knoxville ($4.16), Morristown ($4.16), Nashville ($4.14)
  • Least expensive metro markets - Chattanooga ($4.08), Memphis ($4.08), Jackson ($4.09)

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