Gas Prices Climb for Second Straight Week in Lower Atlantic States
Gasoline prices across the Lower Atlantic states have increased for the second week in a row, adding pressure to household budgets as the summer driving season approaches. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel reached $2.75 on Monday, up from $2.67 the previous week.
The recent hike marks a nearly 9-cent increase from last month's average. While current prices remain below the national average of $2.85 per gallon, the steady climb has drawn attention from consumers and economists alike. Over the past year, prices in the region have fluctuated significantly, hitting a low of $2.62 in January 2026 and peaking at $3.04 in April 2025.
"This is a typical seasonal pattern, but the speed of the increase is notable," said energy analyst Marcus Thorne. "Refineries are transitioning to summer-grade fuel, which is more costly to produce, and regional demand is beginning to tick upward."
The Lower Atlantic region—which includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia—historically experiences price volatility due to its reliance on Gulf Coast refineries and seasonal tourism traffic. A year ago, drivers were paying significantly more, with an average of $3.01 per gallon, roughly 9% higher than current levels.
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Despite the recent rise, Lower Atlantic prices remain about 3.5% below the national average. However, the national figure has also risen, from $2.81 to $2.85 per gallon over the past week, suggesting broader market pressures.
Voices from the Pump
Linda Rodriguez, a rideshare driver from Atlanta: "Every extra cent at the pump cuts into my earnings. It's frustrating when you see it creep up week after week, especially when there's no clear explanation from the oil companies."
Robert Chen, a commuting office worker in Raleigh: "It's an inconvenience, but not a crisis yet. I've budgeted for fluctuations. What worries me more is the potential impact on delivery costs and overall inflation if this continues."
David Miller, a retired truck driver in Tampa: "This is pure greed, plain and simple. They blame refineries, they blame seasons—it's always something. Meanwhile, families are choosing between filling the tank and buying groceries. When does it end?"
Priya Sharma, a small business owner in Charleston: "My delivery fleet costs are up about 4% this month already. I haven't passed it on to customers, but if this trend holds through summer, I may have no choice. It squeezes everyone."
This report utilizes data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A version of this story appears across USA TODAY Network news sites.