Gas prices on the rise after declining for two weeks
TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Gas prices are on the rise once again, after declining for nearly two weeks, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group. The report states that Florida gas prices declined early last week, then rose a total of four cents on Thursday and Friday.
Sunday’s state average price per gallon of $2.53 is four cents less than a month ago, yet remain 26 cents more than this time last year, as stated in the report.
AAA says that the most expensive gas prices in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.65), Naples ($2.59), and Miami ($2.58). Meanwhile, the least expensive gas price averages in Florida are in Punta Gorda ($2.48), Jacksonville ($2.49), and Melbourne-Titusville ($2.50).
"There are a few of factors that gave gas prices a boost, but this time it wasn't crude oil," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA. "Gasoline supplies took a sharp dip last week, as exports rose and refineries began to switch from summer to winter blend gasoline. In addition, demand in the southeast - especially in Florida - is strong, as Americans hit the road for spring break.”
Jenkins continued by saying that they noticed strong gains in wholesale gasoline prices last week, which signals additional increases at the pump this week.
According to the report, wholesale gasoline prices climbed 10-15 cents Wednesday-Friday. Based on current wholesale levels, prices at the pump could climb another nickel.