Florida gas prices spike 19 cents after Middle East tensions, strong summer demand

FLORIDA – Florida drivers saw a sharp jump in gas prices last week as oil markets reacted to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and robust summer fuel demand, AAA said.

The state average rose 19 cents per gallon early in the week before easing slightly over the weekend. Friday’s average of $3.96 per gallon was the highest daily average since early June. Sunday’s state average was $3.94 per gallon — up 12 cents from a week earlier, 26 cents from a month earlier and 84 cents from a year ago.

“Geopolitical tensions can create volatility in energy markets, and that’s exactly what drivers saw last week,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA — The Auto Club Group. “While prices eased slightly by the weekend, motorists are still paying significantly more than they were just a month ago. Drivers should expect prices to remain sensitive to developments overseas and fluctuations in the oil market.”

Market context

• U.S. crude oil prices have surged nearly 20 percent over the past two weeks, including a 16 percent increase last week.
• Oil settled at $82.49 per barrel on Friday, up from $71.41 a week earlier.

Regional averages (metro markets)

• Most expensive: West Palm Beach–Boca Raton, $4.10; Fort Lauderdale, $4.00; Naples, $4.00.
• Least expensive: Panama City, $3.70; Pensacola, $3.74; Crestview–Fort Walton Beach, $3.76.

How to conserve gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Drive conservatively; avoid aggressive acceleration and speeding.
• Remove excess weight; every 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy 1–2 percent.
• Shop for the best local prices using the free AAA mobile app.
• Pay with cash where retailers offer lower per‑gallon prices than credit cards.

AAA resources

• Find state and local averages at GasPrices.AAA.com.
• Use AAA’s Gas Cost Calculator to estimate trip fuel costs.
• Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on subsequent trips.
• For vehicle maintenance to improve fuel economy, visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at GasPrices.AAA.com using credit card transactions and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. All averages reflect a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.