FLORIDA, USA — The pain at the pump could soon be healed as Florida gas prices are expected to decline after reaching a peak in 2024, AAA says.
The organization reports the current state average is $3.61. That's down three cents since Friday, which tied the 2024 high set in mid-April.
The potential relief at the gas pump could come from lower oil costs.
"The price of oil took a step back last week, enabling gasoline futures to drop 20 cents per gallon," Mark Jenkins, the public relations manager for AAA, said in a statement.
According to AAA, the price for a barrel of oil on Friday came in at $78.11, a seven-percent drop from the week before. That decrease is equivalent to a $0.10-$0.15 swing in gas prices.
"Unless those prices suddenly rebound this week, drivers should see gas prices steadily move lower this week," Jenkins explained in a statement.
The average price per gallon in some Tampa Bay area counties includes:
- Hillsborough County: $3.63
- Pinellas County: $3.62
- Polk County: $3.61
- Pasco County: $3:58
The most expensive metro market for fuel in Florida is the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area with AAA reporting $3.77 per gallon. The least expensive metro market is the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area at $3.35.
To save money during your next trip to the pump, AAA recommends:
- Combine errands in one trip to limit driving.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
- Pay with cash. Some retailers charge customers extra when you pay with a credit card.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
- Keep an eye on your speed. Driving aggressively or going too fast reduces fuel economy.
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