Florida gas prices jumped 18 cents

ORLANDO, Fla. – Fireworks were not the only thing going sky high last week. Florida gas prices shot up 18 cents per gallon in the days leading up to Independence Day, according to AAA.

AAA reported the state average price for gasoline as of Sunday was $3.51 per gallon. Florida drivers ended up paying an average of $3.53 on July 4. This was 27 cents more than last year’s holiday but just over a dollar less than the average price on the day in 2022.

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Officials stated the increase in price can be attributed to the traveling demand of the holiday weekend and the presence of the storm Beryl, which headed toward the Texas coastline over the weekend. The majority of Florida’s gasoline supply is sourced from transports that dock on the Gulf Coast and consequently sparked concern about the impact of the storm on oil supply.

“Florida drivers are now paying the most expensive gas prices in nearly two months,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA, said in a statement. “Fuel prices face continued upward pressure on concerns about Tropical Storm Beryl, and economic data suggesting that the U.S. Federal Reserve could lower interest rates to boost growth.”

The lowest metro market gas prices still remain in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.20), Pensacola ($3.22) and Panama City ($3.22), with the highest being in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.67), Naples ($3.58) and Homosassa Springs ($3.57).

To view state and local average gas prices, as well as anticipated costs, visit the AAA’s website. AAA also has a road trip calculator to help with your travel budget.

Ways to save on gasoline, according to AAA:

• Combine errands to limit driving time.

• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.

• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.

• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.

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