Rutherford County Drivers Practically Winning the Gas Price Lottery — If You Squint Hard Enough
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Break out the party hats and gas cans, folks — Tennessee just climbed the prestigious ranks of the nation’s cheapest gas prices, now proudly sitting in second place behind the bargain-fueling paradise of Mississippi, according to AAA. Over the past week, the Volunteer State has slipped into the silver medal spot with an average of $2.70 per gallon for regular unleaded (see news article from last week HERE). Mississippi still holds the crown at $2.68, but hey, what’s two cents among neighbors?
Locally, Rutherford County is making its own splash by ranking 9th out of all 95 counties in Tennessee for the lowest gas prices. You can grab that sweet, sweet 87-octane for an average of $2.58 per gallon in the Murfreesboro and Smyrna areas — a whole 12 cents below the state average! Just don’t brag too loudly, because a short drive south to Shelbyville will save you another four cents, with prices there averaging $2.54. Meanwhile, Cannon County drivers must be living the high life, paying $2.68 per gallon — a full dime more than their Rutherford County neighbors.
Of course, not everyone is living this low-priced dream. Over in Williamson County, the gas gauge is screaming at $3.18 per gallon — the highest in Tennessee. Even Nashville, with its country charm and honky-tonks, isn't serenading anyone at the pump, charging $2.76 on average. And to think, that’s still cheaper than the national average of $3.15.
DIESEL PRICES: For the diesel faithful, it’s not all doom and gloom. Prices are down to $3.31 per gallon, which is 50 cents less than a year ago — and if that doesn’t scream “economic turnaround,” what does? Tennessee holds tight to 14th place in the nation for diesel affordability. We may not be climbing the charts, but consistency is key, right?
Meanwhile, California continues to live in its own price universe at $4.84 a gallon, and Hawaii, well, bless their hearts — diesel is going for $5.25. Maybe sunshine costs extra.
So, while we may not have the cheapest fuel in the U.S., we’re close enough to pretend we do. Drive happy, Tennessee.
