Gas Prices Jump

April 1, 2019

Rising demand and tightening fuel supplies led to a significant jump at the pump last week. Florida gas prices rose an average of 14 cents, before slipping a penny over the weekend.

Florida drivers are currently paying an average price of $2.75 per gallon for regular unleaded. Sunday’s state average is 13 cents more than a week ago, nearly 30 cents more than last month, and nearly 10 cents more than this time last year.

In Escambia County, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $2.61 on Sunday, up from $2.57 a week ago.

“Florida drivers experienced another round of rising prices last week, as fuel supplies continued to tighten due to refinery issues,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although gas price hikes are not out of the norm, this time of year, it’s something that often catches many motorists by surprise. Fortunately, gas prices appear to be leveling off for now. Based on current wholesale prices, AAA does not forecast another round of rising prices this week, unless there is an unexpected supply interruption or stock market spike. Even still, motorists are not out of the woods yet. Until supply levels return to normal, the potential will remain for additional price hikes.”

Seasonal factors like rising demand, refinery maintenance, lower supplies, and the switch to summer gasoline can cause gas prices to rise 20-75 cents in the spring. So far this year, the state average has risen 64 cents, which is almost 20 cents more than the price-hike drivers experienced last year. The difference is largely due to bigger swings in oil prices this year, and a more volatile maintenance season for refineries.

Comments

6 Responses to “Gas Prices Jump”

  1. John on April 4th, 2019 2:42 pm

    People complain about gas prices while they speed, tailgate and run other people off the roads. Slow down and save gas!!!!!!

  2. joy byant on April 2nd, 2019 6:57 am

    If you go to Mississippi it is $2.29 @ gal Al. is $2.45 – so that blows all of the BS that Fl. gives you – to those that think anything and everything is the D’s get a grip – the R’s have been in charge for a long long time even when Obama was President – we have only had a little power for 2 months and the R’s still have the senate – BUT AGAIN LOOK TO FL. FOR THESE PRICES BECAUSE IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN HIGHER It is our state that is screwing us and all the TOURISTS they make a fortune off these people- even the food on the beach is outrageous when we have spring break and summer time

  3. Payer on April 1st, 2019 3:53 pm

    Since about 20 years ago, I see:
    - gas up 150%
    - houses up 200%
    - insurance up 500%
    - salaries up ~30%
    Something is going to happen

  4. Tee-bug on April 1st, 2019 12:46 pm

    If all you good Democrats out there would leave President Trump alone he might could focus on fixing something like this and I believe he would but no you Democrats have to get up every day and find fault in our president and yes I used to be a Democrat but not no more I’m ashamed to say I was

  5. james conway on April 1st, 2019 10:31 am

    the only people that this hurts is the self employed and the people who are barley getting by. the people who have money still go and do as usual (vacations fishing road trips) while the poor set at home and hope they have enough gas just so they can get to work. its just another example of the lower class and middle class suffering while the upper class dont even know it happened.

  6. My Milkshake on April 1st, 2019 6:00 am

    In other words, the usual excuses to raise prices.

    You’d think by now that the petroleum industry would know when seasonal demand would rise and would increase production. Instead they’re always caught off guard due to scheduled refinery maintenance, seasonal blend changes, etc. during times of peak demand.

    It’s strange how that always happens.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News