While the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, military operations could influence the global supply chain.
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida gas prices face some uncertainty as U.S. crude oil prices surge following U.S.-Israeli military operations in Iran.
AAA reports that U.S. crude oil costs rose after trading opened Sunday night, bringing prices up to $71 per barrel. This is the highest since June 2025.
While the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, experts say the country is a major producer for nations such as China and India, which can influence global supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to open waters, is also one of the world’s most important shipping lanes for crude oil. AAA explained that the possibility of reduced traffic through the strait can create ripple effects beyond the Middle East, affecting other countries regardless of how much oil they source from the region.
“AAA does not predict gas prices, and it is still too early to know how much of an impact rising oil prices will ultimately have at the pump,” Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA, said in a statement. “However, higher crude oil costs typically lead to higher gas prices, so we’ll be watching the market closely over the coming days.”
Although Iran military options are a factor, AAA also notes that prices do start getting more expensive during this time of year due to refineries beginning the switch to summer-blend gas. Gas demands also rise because of spring break travel.
Average gas price in Florida
As of Monday morning, AAA says Florida’s statewide average gas price is $2.88 per gallon. For comparison, the nation’s average gas price is $2.98.
The average is around 20 cents less than this time last year.
County-by-county gas prices for the Tampa Bay area
Here are the costs per gallon of gas across Tampa Bay-area counties, according to AAA.
Hillsborough: $2.86Pinellas: $2.87Pasco: $2.85Polk: $2.87Sarasota: $2.89Manatee: $2.86Hernando: $2.84Citrus: $2.89
How to save money on gas in Florida
Here are some ways to save on gas in Florida, according to AAA.
Combine errands to limit driving time.Drive conservatively. Avoid aggressive acceleration and speeding, which reduces fuel economy.Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1 to 2%Shop around for the best gas prices in your community by using the AAA mobile app. Pay with cash. Some retailers charge more per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.