The nation’s gas prices were easier on the wallet this year, as close to 40 million motorists traveled for Thanksgiving. The national cost for a gallon of regular gas averaged $3.28, 13 cents less than 2012’s Thanksgiving average of $3.41. Unfortunately, not all motorists got to enjoy lower pump prices.

Motorists in the Southeast have seen little relief at the pump since mid-November. Southeast gas prices started to climb on November 15 after refinery disruptions cut supply. Florida drivers felt the increase the most. The state average climbed to $3.46 for Thanksgiving, 8 cents more than last year’s holiday average. Both Georgia ($3.27) and Tennessee’s ($3.16) average price for a gallon of gas during the holiday weekend was 1-cent less than last year.  

"Regional issues aside, nationwide gas prices are forecast fall in December," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. "Cheaper oil prices will likely push gas prices lower in the coming weeks. Oil prices dropped for the past several weeks as fuel demand has yet to keep pace with increased global crude production.”

The national average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.27, 1-cent less than last week. Florida's average of $3.45 rose another 4 cents from last week. Georgia’s average of $3.25 fell a cent, while Tennessee's average of $3.16 increased 2 cents from last week.

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline       
 

                                       Current         Week Ago         Month Ago           Year Ago

National:                               $3.272           $3.275                $3.275               $3.396

Florida:                                 $3.454           $3.407                $3.257               $3.375

Georgia:                               $3.252            $3.263               $3.244               $3.284

Tennessee:                           $3.157            $3.141               $3.132               $3.169