Gas Prices Surge Across Tennessee, Nearing $4 National Average

Gas prices across Tennessee surged sharply over the past week, climbing more than 30 cents per gallon and reaching their highest levels since 2022, according to new reports from AAA and GasBuddy.

The statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline now sits around $3.63 to $3.64 per gallon. That marks an increase of roughly 30 to 31 cents in just one week, and more than $1.09 higher than a month ago. Prices are also nearly a dollar higher than this time last year.

“Tennessee pump prices have risen over a dollar more expensive since the beginning of the month, and we're now seeing the most expensive gas prices since August 2022,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Elevated crude oil prices, the seasonal switch to summer blend gasoline and an expected rise in gasoline demand are all placing upward pressure on prices at the pump.”

GasBuddy data shows similar trends, with Tennessee prices rising 31.1 cents in the past week alone. Across the state, prices varied widely, with the lowest reported at $2.99 per gallon and the highest at $4.59 — a difference of $1.60 per gallon.

The increases come as spring travel ramps up and fuel demand rises. Nationally, gas prices climbed about 24 cents over the past week, reaching an average of $3.92 per gallon. Analysts warn that the national average could soon reach $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022.

“Gas prices continued to rise nationwide over the last week as seasonal factors, combined with ongoing supply concerns tied to the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed both gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark—potentially as early as this week.”

Diesel prices are also climbing, with the national average rising to $5.22 per gallon — the highest level since late 2022.

Within Tennessee, metro areas are seeing similar increases. Nashville averaged about $3.68 to $3.69 per gallon, while Chattanooga stood at $3.64. Knoxville remained slightly lower at around $3.60 per gallon.

Despite the sharp rise in prices, gasoline demand dipped slightly last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, while supply and production also declined. Meanwhile, crude oil prices continue to climb, with West Texas Intermediate crude closing at $96.32 per barrel.

A recent federal decision to release oil from the nation’s strategic reserves has not yet translated into lower prices at the pump.

Historical data shows current prices remain below the peak seen in 2022, when Tennessee drivers paid more than $4 per gallon in late March. However, prices are now well above levels seen in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

AAA and GasBuddy both encourage drivers to take steps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs, such as avoiding aggressive driving, maintaining proper tire pressure, combining trips, and shopping around for lower prices.

With demand expected to increase heading into the summer driving season, analysts say motorists should prepare for continued volatility at the pump in the weeks ahead.