As Spring Temps Heat Up, So Do Gas Prices
MIAMI (CBS4) - MIAMI (CBS4) – As we head into Spring and temperatures heat up so are the prices at the pump.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports in the last month, the price for regular unleaded in Florida has risen about 13 cents to an average of $3.66 a gallon, an increase of 9-cents in the last week alone. Last year at this time, the price for unleaded regular was hovering near $2.85 a gallon.
"Oil prices continue to move higher as we get closer to the summer driving season," said AAA South spokeswoman Jessica Brady in a statement Monday. "The unrest in the Mideast will sustain the already high oil prices, but coupled with positive economic news in the U.S. prices are likely to move even higher. Retail gas prices will increase this week as well, with the national average already jumping 7 cents since last week for an average of $3.64."
Last Friday, crude oil settled at $107.94 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, 2.54 more than last week. This was the highest settlement since September 2008.
In Miami-Dade drivers are paying a bit more than the state average. Unleaded regular is averaging $3.75 a gallon; up from $3.67 a week ago and $3.56 a month ago. A year ago, the price of unleaded regular in the area averaged $2.89 a gallon.
In Ft. Lauderdale drivers are paying about $3.72 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded compared to about $3.65 a week ago and $3.54 a month ago. Last year at this time regular unleaded averaged $2.88 a gallon.
The most expensive area in the state to fill up is Gainesville were regular unleaded is averaging $3.77 a gallon. Tampa gas stations have some of the cheapest prices in the state, unleaded regular is averaging $3.61 a gallon.
Check out the cheapest gas prices in your neighborhood at FloridaGasPrices.com.
