ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in metro Atlanta has risen to $3.47 — up nearly 30 cents from one week ago — as conflict in the Middle East disrupts a critical oil shipping route.
Iran is attacking ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane that normally carries a fifth of the world’s oil supply. The U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran entered its third week as the disruption continued, with analysts saying the longer the strait remains closed, the more pressure will build on prices at the pump.
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Kai Jackson, a 17-year-old driver, said she filled her tank recently and paid about $31. That’s a $10 increase from her previous fill-up.
“I hate it. I just filled my tank up, and it wasn’t even empty,” she said, adding that she was dreading getting more gas on Friday.
Amir Daniels, also 17, said the timing is particularly difficult. He has been planning a road trip to Panama City Beach for months and estimates it will require two full tanks of gas.
“I’m going to have to fill the tank like, what, two times? That’s going to be like $100,” Daniels said.
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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he is not ruling out suspending the state gas tax to provide relief to drivers, though he is cautious about acting too quickly.
“We’ve done that in the past, but they’ve been very targeted and strategic,” he said.
Kemp said he does not want to overreact to what could be a short-term price spike.
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