JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gas prices continue to climb across the U.S., and many local drivers are feeling the squeeze.
Gas stations in Jacksonville are reporting prices as high as $4 a gallon, forcing some households to rethink budgets and travel plans.
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If you’ve filled up your tank recently or driven past some gas stations you might have noticed the cost just keeps going up.
This isn’t just paying a few extra dollars at the pump; it’s now about weighing out your options and making critical decisions to avoid further financial strain.
A series of global events and domestic policy moves has helped push prices higher.
Earlier this week, reports said Iran struck a liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, and concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have added pressure to global energy markets.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced last week that the federal government would release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to ease supply concerns.
AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $3.88 per gallon, about an 8% increase from last week.
Florida’s average for regular is $3.91 per gallon, roughly three cents above the national average, and West Coast states are paying more — California averages more than $5 per gallon.
Some practical steps can help drivers limit how much they spend at the pump:
- Skip premium gas and use regular.
- Use apps to find cheaper gas.
- Avoid unnecessary driving when possible.
- Pay with cash where it saves you money.
- Carpool with coworkers or neighbors.
- Use public transportation when available.
Some of these tips might seem unrealistic to you, but it’s a lot easier than you might think.
Some gas stations charge credit card fees, so using cash could save you 10 cents a gallon, and there are various apps like GasBuddy and Upside, where you can find the cheapest gas near you.