Drivers across Western North Carolina are continuing to see higher prices at the pump, with new AAA data showing noticeable increases in both the Asheville and Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro areas. As of Friday, March 20, AAA listed the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline at $3.556 in Asheville and $3.581 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.
The increases have been sharp over a short period of time. In the Asheville metro, the average price is up nearly 29 cents from a week ago, when regular gas stood at $3.271 per gallon. It is also up about 85 cents from a month ago, when the average was $2.706. In the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area, drivers are paying nearly 22 cents more than a week ago and nearly 94 cents more than a month ago.
Even with those increases, western North Carolina remains slightly below broader averages. AAA says North Carolina’s statewide average for regular gasoline is now $3.648 per gallon, while the national average has climbed to $3.912. That means drivers in the Asheville and Hickory markets are still paying less than the statewide and national averages, but the overall trend remains upward.
AAA says the seasonal rise is being driven in part by stronger spring demand, as more drivers take to the roads for warmer weather and spring break travel. The organization also says crude oil prices have topped $100 a barrel multiple times in recent days, adding more pressure to fuel costs nationwide.
National reports have also pointed to broader supply concerns tied to conflict in the Middle East, which has helped push oil prices and gasoline prices higher across the country. Analysts say prices could move above $4 per gallon if market pressure continues.
For drivers in Western North Carolina, the latest AAA figures mean fuel costs are now significantly higher than they were just a few weeks ago. While local averages remain below the national figure, the recent pace of increases suggests motorists may continue to see higher prices heading deeper into the spring travel season.
