GA gas is cheaper right now but why and will it stay that way for long? What to know

The price of gas is down by one cent in Georgia, and could go even lower as the temperature drops. This cold-weather difference at the pump is due to a “winter blend” of gas used by refineries.

The winter-blend fuel mixture, explains AAA, contains more butane and has a higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), which measures the rate of fuel evaporation at different temperatures.

Butane, which some of us know as lighter fluid, has a higher volatility and vaporizes at lower temperatures and is more suitable for colder temperatures.

Why is winter-blend less expensive?

This formula is less costly and more suitable for cold temperatures, making it cheaper to produce than the summer blend required for warmer weather.

Contributing factors include:

• Lower production costs
• Weaker regulatory emission requirements 
• Lower demand
• Less travel and vehicle use

How much can you actually save?

People are typically driving less in winter anyway, and according to AAA you could see the price of “fuel drop somewhere between $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon during the winter months.

Today the average price of gas in Georgia (as of the publication date) is $2.78, which is well below the national average of $3.06. Prices have been trending down recently, with last year’s price at $2.94 and even as recently as last month at $2.91

Why can’t we use winter-blend all year?

The very reason that butane is better for your car in winter is the same reason it lowers efficiency in the warmer months.

• Vapor lock: This is caused by excessive evaporation and can cause your car to lose power, stall and have difficulty restarting. 
• Environmental impact: Since this blend evaporates more quickly, and when they do so inside the fuel system they increase levels of smog, ozone and other harmful emissions. 

Neither blend is better or worse for your vehicle, but each one is the most suitable for the season. The only difference you’ll notice is the lowered cost, and no one can be mad at that.

I had no idea there was seasonal gas. Did you? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA gas is cheaper right now but why and will it stay that way for long? What to know."