Gas prices in Georgia declined for the 28th consecutive day on Sunday. However, higher oil prices may soon put the brakes on that downward streak at the pumps.

The state average of $2.71 is 4 cents less than a week ago and 11 cents less than last month. However, Georgia motorists are still paying nearly 60 cents more per gallon compared to last year. 

The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Atlanta ($2.75), Athens ($2.74), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.72)

The least expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Warner Robins ($2.57), Augusta-Aiken ($2.59), Columbus ($2.60)

Average Summer Gas Prices

                 2014    2015    2016    2017    Today
National    $3.57    $2.71    $2.23    $2.31    $2.85
Florida    $3.50    $2.58    $2.19    $2.25    $2.70
Georgia    $3.48    $2.57    $2.11    $2.18    $2.71
Tennessee    $3.35    $2.45    $2.03    $2.08    $2.60

Oil prices shot-up $3 on Friday, which usually increases the cost of producing gasoline. The increase in crude came after OPEC and Russia announced an agreement to raise oil production. While a production increase would normally put downward pressure on oil prices, it's still unclear exactly how much more oil will be reintroduced into the market and which countries it will come from. The uncertainty is causing what's considered to be a short-term increase in oil prices. Ultimately, oil prices are forecast to decline after the details are hammered out.  

On Friday, the price of oil settled at $68.58 per barrel - $3.50 more than the week before. Gasoline futures jumped 5 cents on the NYMEX.

"This news could bring some volatility back to the pumps this week," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Gas prices could rise a couple pennies or simply level out. Anything more than that would require crude to make additional gains this week. Regardless, it's encouraging that OPEC decided to raise production in hopes of avoiding a global supply deficit. That's good news for motorists, because this should eventually lead to lower prices at the pump."

Drive Sensibly – Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.

Gas mileage can be reduced 15-30% at highway speeds / 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic
The equivalent of 27¢ - $1.08 per gallon

Observe the speed limit

Not only is it safer – but it can help you save money
Gas mileage rapidly declines at speeds above 50 mph
Every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional 19 cents per gallon for gasoline

Lose the weight

Using your trunk for storage can cost you by way of lower fuel economy
Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle.
An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle reduces your miles per gallon by about 1%
Like paying an additional 3 cents per gallon for every 100 pounds

Use cruise control

Cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed
Conversely, constant throttling at high speeds consumes gasoline much faster

Avoid excess idling

Idling uses a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour
Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked
It only takes 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle

Combine trips

Saves time and money
Fuel economy is better when your engine is warmed up and you make multiple stops

Inflate tires

Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve your gas mileage up to 3%
It can mean the difference of a couple cents per gallon
Find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb