Statewide fuel costs creep toward $4.00, but Columbus County pumps remain temporarily below the rise.
WHITEVILLE, NC — North Carolina drivers are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs this week, with the statewide average climbing to $3.52 per gallon, according to AAA. That’s nearly eighty cents higher than a month ago, driven by global supply pressures and conflict in the Middle East.
The rise is tied to escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices sharply higher. The increase has pushed most metro areas across the state into the mid $3.40 to $3.60 range, marking one of the fastest statewide jumps in recent years.
Despite that surge, Columbus County stations are still posting prices under $3.00, creating a temporary gap between local pump prices and the broader North Carolina trend.
GasBuddy’s latest public updates show the county holding steady in the upper‑$2.00 range, including $2.54 at Exxon on Jefferson Street in Whiteville, $2.95 at Murphy USA on Columbus Corners Drive, and $2.99 at Shell on Washington Street. These three stations reflect the county’s current spread from the lowest posted price to the upper end of branded locations.
Local pump prices often lag behind statewide increases due to high competition along Whiteville’s main corridors, delayed wholesale adjustments at rural stations, and discount retailers holding lower prices until their next delivery.
Branded stations typically move first, but the county average stays lower until the rest catch up. That delay has kept Columbus County temporarily insulated from the statewide spike, even as North Carolina’s average continues to climb.
With statewide prices rising quickly, Columbus County is likely to see local increases within days, especially at branded stations. Discount stations may follow once new shipments arrive, narrowing the gap between local and statewide averages as the market adjusts.
Source: GasBuddy; AAA Fuel Price Data.
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