JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rising gas prices are squeezing drivers across the city, and those who drive for a living say the higher pump costs are cutting into already thin earnings.
Jacksonville’s average gas price has climbed to $3.74, and ride‑hail drivers say they are having to rethink routes and budgets.
“As an Uber driver, I actually have to go back to work and really lock in on my business plan and make sure that my math was equipping because you can’t just keep driving cars around and you’re spending more money than what you’re making,” Caren Island, an Uber driver said.
As of Thursday morning, AAA said the average price statewide is $3.72.
Forbes reported that the Trump administration plans to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The report said the Department of Energy would release 172 million barrels from the reserve and that deliveries would take about 120 days, according to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Experts advise drivers to check fuel‑price apps such as GasBuddy, limit unnecessary trips and smooth out starts and stops to improve fuel efficiency.