Florida’s average gas price has risen from $2.88 to $4.34 per gallon since the war in Iran began.
FLORIDA, USA — As you head out to start your first week of May, Florida gas prices have now hit a new four-year high.
AAA announced fuel prices in Florida increased by 40 cents per gallon last week, reaching a current state-wide average of $4.34. It is the highest daily average since July 2022.
Experts say the sharp increase is due to crude oil prices increasing by 13% and a 46-cent gain in gasoline futures, tied to the ongoing war with Iran. They say another price hike may be on the way, but it may not be as “dramatic” as this past week.
“Big gains in oil and gasoline futures contributed to the jump at the pump last week,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said. “The ongoing Iranian conflict and uncertainty tied to the closure of the Straight of Hormuz is keeping upward pressure on fuel prices with no clear indication of letting up.”
Since the war in Iran began, Florida’s average price has risen by $1.46 per gallon, from $2.88 to $4.34 per gallon. That adds $22 to the cost for an average-sized tank of gas, AAA says.
County-by-county gas prices for the Tampa Bay area
Here are the average costs per gallon of gas across Tampa Bay, according to AAA.
Hillsborough: $4.35Pinellas: $4.36Pasco: $4.35Polk: $4.37Sarasota: $4.37Manatee: $4.36Hernando: $4.36Citrus: $4.36
10 Tampa Bay News keeps a year-round list of gas stations with the lowest prices across Tampa Bay, powered by GasBuddy.
The most expensive metro market in Florida is West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, with an average of $4.50. The least expensive is Pensacola at $3.96.
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.