WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Gas prices across Florida climbed sharply last week, rising 40 cents per gallon and reaching their highest level in nearly four years.
The state average went from $3.94 per gallon on Monday to $4.34 per gallon on Sunday, according to AAA. That’s the highest daily average price seen in Florida since July 2022.
AAA says the jump is tied to rising oil and gasoline prices on global markets. Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said tensions involving Iran and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are pushing fuel prices higher.
“Big gains in oil and gasoline futures contributed to the jump at the pump last week,” Jenkins said. “The ongoing Iranian conflict and uncertainty tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping upward pressure on fuel prices with no clear indication of letting up.”
Over the past week, crude oil prices rose about 13 percent, while gasoline futures increased by 46 cents. AAA says additional increases are possible, though they may not be as steep as last week’s surge. U.S. crude oil prices climbed another 8 percent late last week, and gasoline futures rose an additional 13 cents.
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Since the conflict began, Florida’s average gas price has increased $1.46 per gallon — from $2.88 to $4.34. For drivers, that adds about $22 to the cost of filling an average-sized gas tank, according to AAA.
Prices vary across the state. The most expensive metro areas are West Palm Beach–Boca Raton at $4.50 per gallon, Naples at $4.41, and Gainesville at $4.40. The least expensive metro markets include Pensacola at $3.96, Crestview–Fort Walton Beach at $3.99, and Panama City at $4, according to the news release.
AAA encourages drivers looking to save money to combine errands, avoid aggressive driving, remove extra weight from their vehicles, and shop around for lower prices. More information on state and local gas prices is available at GasPrices.AAA.com.