RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Apparently, it pays to live in the Volunteer State—at least at the gas pump. Tennessee now boasts the third-lowest average fuel prices in the nation, which means we can all collectively gripe a little less while filling up (for now).
AAA says that gas prices across the state barely budged over the past week, ticking up just one cent. As of Monday, the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded sits at $2.79—up nine cents from last month, but a solid 42 cents less than this time last year. Rutherford County drivers are currently paying about $2.70 per gallon, which seems almost reasonable, until you realize folks just down the road in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet (Wilson County) are getting away with $2.69. Can you imagine paying 1-cent less? Unfathomable for most to even imagine, but do try!
If you’re thinking of cruising over to Cannon County, maybe rethink that pit stop. Woodburians’ are paying a lofty $3.03 per gallon. For that price, they ought to throw in a free coffee or at least a tire rotation. Speaking of coffee – in Coffee County—just northeast of the ‘Boro—the price of gas is holding steady at $2.69, making it another solid pick if you're out and about.
Nashville drivers are coughing up about $2.83 a gallon, which might feel like a small price to pay for live music and overpriced lattes. But if you’re the type who enjoys both top-shelf drinks and premium-grade gasoline, head over to Williamson County. There, in scenic Brentwood and Franklin, you’ll pay a jaw-dropping $3.18 per gallon for regular fuel. No, that’s not a typo—that’s just life in the county where gas is apparently infused with gold flakes.
Surprisingly, the best deal in the state is just a quick 20-minute drive down Highway 231 to Bedford County. In Shelbyville, regular unleaded is going for $2.64 per gallon. That's currently the lowest average price across all 95 Tennessee counties, making Bedford the reigning champ in the state’s unofficial fuel-price Olympics.
According to AAA spokesperson Megan Cooper, “oil prices plunged late last week” due to concerns about tariffs and the looming specter of a global economic slowdown. With crude oil accounting for about half of what we pay at the pump, there's a chance we’ll see prices drop even more this week—fingers crossed.
On the national level, prices climbed a bit more dramatically, with the average gallon of regular unleaded now costing $3.25. Blame it on refinery maintenance and the seasonal switch to summer-blend gasoline—because apparently, gas needs a summer wardrobe, too.
If you’re team diesel, you’re paying an average of $3.36 per gallon in Tennessee, which is actually a discount compared to last year’s $3.80. A win's a win, right?
So yes, while gas prices are inching up ever so slightly, Tennessee is still one of the best places to be when it comes to keeping your fuel bill in check. Just don’t get used to it—this is the oil market we’re talking about.
Tennessee Regional Prices
- Most expensive metro markets - Johnson City ($2.86), Memphis ($2.83), Jackson ($2.83)
- Least expensive metro markets - Cleveland ($2.66), Chattanooga ($2.70), Clarksville ($2.73)
