TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Even as the cost of gas in Florida declined by a half-cent over the past week, prices at the pump are the highest in four years, according to AAA auto club.
"Reduced global oil supplies have caused summer travelers to pay a higher price at the pump this year," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a press release. "Fortunately, domestic gasoline production remains strong, which should help prevent major swings in summer gas prices.”
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But Jenkins warned that prices could “pop” if refineries along the Gulf Coast are again threatened by a hurricane. The statewide average of $2.76 for a gallon of regular gas -- up nearly 50 cents from a year ago -- is 20 cents below this year’s peakt, reached during the Memorial Day weekend.
As of Sunday, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $2.87, according to the auto group. In Florida, the highest average price is in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton region, at $2.84 a gallon.
The next highest, $2.83 per gallon, is in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area of the Panhandle, followed by $2.81 in Miami.
Jacksonville and Punta Gorda, where a gallon sells for an average $2.66, both have the lowest prices in the state.
A tankful of gas now will cost about $6 more for the average vehicle than it did a year ago, according to AAA spokesman W.D. Williams.
“But, the economy is good and consumer confidence is strong right now, so people are continuing to travel,” he said.