Gas prices continue to drop in Florida, according to a new report from AAA.
The average gallon of gas in Florida cost $3.61 on Sunday, down from $3.68 at the start of last week. The national average stood at $3.83 a gallon on Sunday.
Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA and the Auto Club Group, weighed in on factors impacting gas prices.
“Winter gasoline has moved into the market, enabling gas prices to move lower,” said Jenkins. “Unfortunately, the downward trend may end soon. Futures prices have strengthened in the fuel market, which should reapply upward pressure on prices at the pump.”
“The U.S. price of oil gained significant strength through August and early September. The increase has mostly been driven by concerns that OPEC’s decision to extend oil production cuts would further tighten global fuel supplies. U.S. oil prices closed at $87.51 per barrel on Friday. That’s almost a 20 percent increase throughout the past two months. Gasoline futures have not increased as dramatically. After dropping 19 cents last week, gasoline futures regained about 6 cents per gallon – which could be an indication of where retail prices go in the coming week,” noted AAA.
The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton market had the most expensive gas in the state with an average of $3.79 a gallon, followed by Naples at $3.76 a gallon and Gainesville at $3.72 a gallon.
Pensacola had the least expensive gas in the state with an average of $3.42 a gallon, followed by the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area at $3.43 a gallon and Panama City at $3.49 gallon.
