Updated March 26, 2019

Although Giles County gas prices increased almost a dime from last week, the state average remains low compared to the rest of the country.

Drivers in the county are paying an average price of $2.44 per gallon for regular unleaded.

Monday's state average was 9 cents more than a week ago, 25 cents more than this time last month, and 3 cents higher than this time last year.

Every state except Florida saw gas prices increase, some as much as 16 cents, pushing the national gas prices average up eight cents over last week. The national average is $2.62, which is 8 cents higher than last week, 23 cents higher than a month ago, but only two cents higher than last year at this time.  

According to Jeanette Casselano of AAA,  increasing demand and tightening gasoline stocks across the country March gas prices came in like a lion and will not go out like a lamb.

She said Giles County gas price averages are very similar to a year ago give or take a few pennies, which means some motorists are paying among the most expensive averages seen this time of year in the last five years. 

Crude prices could rise this week if there is another major drawdown. Pump prices will likely follow suit as the country enters the late spring and summer driving seasons.