ATLANTA — Higher gas prices have cost Georgians an estimated $1.4 billion since the conflict in the Middle East began in February, according to a new analysis from Brown University.

The study estimates the average Georgia household has spent an additional $352 on fuel during the past six months. Before the Iran war began, the average price for regular gas in Georgia was $2.78 per gallon. Since then, the average price has increased by more than $1 per gallon.

Nationwide, the Brown University analysis estimates Americans have paid more than $94 billion in additional gas and diesel costs since February.

Gas prices have seen some relief in metro Atlanta over the past month. AAA lists the average price for a gallon of regular gas in metro Atlanta at $3.80 as of Aug. 31, down about 13 cents from $3.93 a month ago.

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan said high output from refineries that supply Atlanta has contributed to the decline.

“I would certainly give some credit to refineries that feed Atlanta. Refineries down in Louisiana and Texas, the colonial pipeline, these refineries have been operating at near all time record highs, they have every reason too,” De Haan said.

De Haan said Atlanta is also benefiting from its connection to those refineries.

“And because Atlanta has a major artery direct to those refineries, it’s in a maybe a little bit better position,” De Haan said.

Georgia’s gas prices remain below the national average. AAA lists the national average at $4.08 per gallon as of Aug. 31, down two cents from a month ago. A year ago, the national average was $3.18 per gallon.

Diesel prices have moved in the opposite direction in the Atlanta area, increasing nearly 20 cents compared to a month ago.