Gas prices climb in Georgia as Middle East tensions push oil above $100

Gas prices are climbing across Georgia as global oil markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Crude oil recently rose above $100 per barrel, reaching a level not seen since the early months of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The increase comes as the conflict involving Iran enters its second week, raising concerns about global energy supply and pushing fuel costs higher.

The impact is already showing up at the pump. According to AAA, the average price for regular gasoline nationwide is now about $3.45 per gallon, an increase of roughly 16% in the past week.

Prices in metro Atlanta remain slightly lower but are still trending upward. Drivers are paying about $3.26 per gallon for regular fuel, around $3.72 for midgrade, and roughly $4.15 for premium.

Much of the crude extracted in the U.S. is lighter than the heavier crude many coastal refineries are designed to process, which means some refined fuels still need to be imported.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump addressed the spike on social media, calling the higher prices “a small price to pay” amid ongoing tensions with Iran and suggesting costs could ease if security concerns are resolved.