Blount County gas prices higher than state average

Gas in Blount County was more expensive than the state average Monday, April 16.

Prices at the pump continued to rise in Tennessee and moved 8 cents more expensive over last week, according to a release from AAA — The Auto Club Group. The Tennessee gas price average is now $3.28, which is 20 cents more expensive than one month ago but 10 cents less than one year ago.

The average price per gallon in Blount County was $3.35 Monday.

"The seasonal switch to summer blend gasoline and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are two of the main factors influencing the market right now," said Megan Cooper, spokesperson for AAA. "It's likely that pump prices will remain elevated throughout this week given the uncertainty in the market.”

Cooper said the Tennessee gas price average is still 35 cents lower than the national average, even with the recent increases, making the state the 11th least-expensive in the union. Nationally, gas prices rose about 4 cents last week, climbing to $3.63.

In Tennessee, 41% of gas stations have prices below $3.25. The lowest 10% of pump prices are $3.05, with the highest 10% charging $3.57 per gallon.