Gas Prices Remained Flat Over Past Week

ATLANTA -- The average cost per gallon of gasoline in Georgia remained flat last week, according to AAA Auto Club South.

Prices in the Peach State stayed at an average $2.50 for the second week in a row, compared with $2.51 a gallon a month ago and $1.86 a gallon a year ago.

Nationally, the average price is $2.64, compared with $2.64 a month ago and $1.95 a year ago.

NYMEX crude oil fell at the end of the week as the dollar strengthened against the euro, reducing the appeal of commodities to investors, AAA noted. Crude oil closed Friday at $76.72 a barrel -- just 37 cents above last week's closing.

Current conditions have some analysts expecting a decline in crude oil even as Thanksgiving nears and a demand for fuel rises.

"What might be bad news for oil brokers is often good news for consumers," said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South. "Aside from any significant decline in the dollar, there's little on the horizon that is likely to push crude prices higher now. With ample crude and gasoline stocks, this may be a holiday where retail fuel prices remain flat or decline, and that would extend a trend of recent years."