Home / Business and Economy / Georgia Gas Stations Race to Bottom, Hit 97 Cents
Georgia Gas Stations Race to Bottom, Hit 97 Cents
18 Oct
Summary
- Two Georgia gas stations offered gas for under a dollar.
- Competition drove prices down to 97 cents per gallon.
- High demand led to traffic jams and police intervention.
In Powder Springs, Georgia, a fierce price war between two gas stations saw prices drop to an astonishing 97 cents per gallon, a rare sight amidst high national averages. Drivers rushed to take advantage of the incredibly low prices, with one station implementing a policy to undercut the other by five cents repeatedly. This competitive "race to the bottom" resulted in massive lines and traffic chaos, eventually leading to police intervention to manage the crowds. Once the situation stabilized, gas prices returned to their normal levels.
The national average for regular unleaded gas stands at $4.33 per gallon as of October 18, 2026, a significant increase from $3.06 a year prior. Geopolitical events, including Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted global fuel supply, impacting prices worldwide. The U.S. has released oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has fallen to less than 284 million barrels, in an effort to control costs. Political figures like President Donald Trump have downplayed the affordability issue, while Republican candidates face challenges in the upcoming midterms.
