Scott Powers
The price of gasoline in Florida fell seven cents in the past week and 10 cents in the past 10 days, heading back below $2.40 a gallon, according to AAA.
The drop puts Florida’s average gas prices at$2.39.5. That is almost 21 cents lower per gallon than the national average and 31 cents lower than what Floridians were paying a year ago.
Fill up now, though AAA, the Auto Club Group advises: gasoline prices might be heading back up soon.
“Florida gas prices declined as anticipated last week, but could move slightly higher again in the coming days,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA — The Auto Club Group, stated in a news release. “Refineries are still conducting maintenance, and gasoline demand is at a higher level than usual for this time of year. This has led to lower gasoline supply levels, which pushed wholesale gasoline prices a few cents higher last week. As a result, the state average could soon return to around $2.43 per gallon. Despite the anticipated increase, Florida drivers are still paying 30 cents per gallon less than last year. Which means, they’re saving almost $5 on a full tank of gasoline”
Florida’s cheapest gasoline can be purchased at Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, $2.32 per per gallon; Orlando, $2.33; and Punta Gorda-Charlotte, $2.33.
The most expensive fuel is found at Panama City $2.52; West Palm Beach-Boca Raton $2.51; and Tallahassee, $2.47.
Jacksonville gasoline also is selling at an average of $2.33 a gallon; while in Sarasota and Pensacola, it’s $2.37; Fort Myers, $2.39; and Naples and Fort Lauderdale, $2.42.
In Palm Beach County, gas costs $2.51 per gallon; Miami, gas costs $2.48; and Gainesville, $2.46.
The national average is $2.61 per gallon. Last year at this time Floridians were paying $2.71 per gallon, according to AAA.
