MURFREESBORO, TN — Nothing screams “almost there” like landing second place in the national race for cheapest gas. Tennessee is proudly polishing its silver medal this week, boasting an average of $2.72 per gallon for regular unleaded. Number one? That honor belongs to Mississippi, which edged us out with a jaw-dropping $2.66 per gallon. Louisiana barely missed the silver at $2.724, just three-tenths of a cent behind Tennessee. So close, yet so economically indifferent.
But before you start revving your engine in celebration, let’s zoom in on Rutherford County — where the gas isn’t quite medal-worthy. Despite our hopes and dreams, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and LaVergne are clocking in at an average of $2.65 per gallon. Yes, that’s lower than the state average, but apparently not enough to impress the folks compiling the top 5% cheapest gas list.
Venture just a few miles south to Bedford County and you’ll find gas at a sweet $2.61. North in Mt. Juliet? $2.66. And then there’s the west — Brentwood and Franklin, where people fill their tanks with liquid gold at $3.23 per gallon. For that price, Rutherford County drivers could practically spring for premium…