Jul. 3—ATLANTA — Georgia gas prices are currently decreasing at the pump, and Albany currently has the state's lowest average price at an average cost of $4.13 a gallon heading into the July 4th holiday, AAA-The Auto Club group said.

Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $4.40 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, 7 cents less than a week ago, 27 cents more than last month, and $1.49 more than this time last year.

It now costs $66 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Drivers are paying $22.35 more at the pump than last year.

"Georgia pump price average has managed to decrease across the state," AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said. "If crude oil continues to decline, its possible gas prices will follow suit this week as more than 1.3 million Georgians prepare to hit the road for the 4th of July holiday weekend."

Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by 8 cents to $4.90. Last week the Energy Information Administration did not release gasoline demand/supply and domestic oil inventory levels data due to "systems issues." However, if gas demand continues its downward trend, it may contribute to pump prices decreasing this week.

At the close of last Wednesday's formal trading session, WTI decreased by $3.33 to settle at $106.19. Crude prices dropped amid broad market concern regarding the potential for economic growth to slow or stall due to rising interest rates and inflation.

Regional Prices

Most expensive Georgia metro markets: Brunswick ($4.48), Atlanta ($4.47) and Athens ($4.42).

Least expensive Georgia metro markets — Albany ($4.13), Warner Robins ($4.18) and Valdosta ($4.25).

Money-Saving Tips for Drivers

— Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the AAA Mobile App.

— Consider paying in cash vs. credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

— Enroll in fuel savings programs.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers

— Maintain your vehicle to ensure optimal fuel economy. Find a trusted automotive facility at AAA.com/AutoRepair.

— Combine errands to limit driving time.

— Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph.

— Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.