DAYTONA BEACH — Gas prices are on the rise again in Florida, where the average cost for a gallon of regular gas this week hit its highest point of the year, according to AAA auto group.
By Wednesday, the statewide average price of a gallon of regular gas hit $2.73, a 5-cent jump from Tuesday’s mark of $2.68 per gallon, according to AAA.
That price is 20 cents higher than the state average a month ago and 29 cents higher than the state average of $2.44 per gallon a year ago at this time. The highest price on record for a gallon of regular gas in Florida was $4.08, logged on July 16, 2008.
In Daytona Beach, the price of a gallon of regular gas on Wednesday ranged from $2.46 to $2.89, according to the online price-tracking site GasBuddy.com. In Flagler County, the price ranged from $2.58 to $2.69 in Palm Coast on the same website.
"Unless the market does an about-face, Florida gasoline will soon surpass $2.73 and hit the highest price more than three years," said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. "Oil prices are trickling lower, after a slowdown in geopolitical discussions surrounding Syria. However, gasoline futures remain elevated, as refinery maintenance season reaches its final rounds and summer gasoline begins to flow into the market."
Nationally, prices this week reached an average of $2.73 for a gallon of regular gasoline, the most expensive point in nearly three years, and continue to climb. For the week, the national average increased 7 cents, according to AAA.
Motorists in six West Coast states are paying more than $3 gallon, while, nationwide, only 27 percent of gas stations are selling gas for $2.50 or less, AAA stated.
“Expensive crude oil prices, unrest in the Middle East, strong domestic demand, record production rates and global oil supply surplus have created the perfect storm to drive spring gas prices toward new heights,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokeswoman. “Consumers can expect gas prices to increase another 5 to 10 cents this season, but the national average is not expected to reach the $3 mark.”
The national gas price average is 20 cents more than a month ago and 32 cents more than a year ago.
AAA forecasts that two-thirds of an estimated 88 million families taking vacation this summer plan to drive to a destination. “With more expensive gas prices on the horizon, travelers should plan now for the additional costs,” Casselano said.