ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa-area gas prices rose over 15 cents in the last week after recent month-long lows, according to AAA.
Gas prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area averaged about $3.32 for regular fuel on June 24, 2024, the AAA map shows. Last week, the average price was about $3.18 — a 14-cent difference.
Statewide, regular fuel prices are reported to be roughly $3.34 — a 10-cent rise from last week's average of $3.24.
This price hike ends a 26-day streak of declining gas prices, which delivered a 33-cent discount statewide, according to a AAA news release.
This rise comes after the U.S. crude oil price was back above $80 a barrel. Friday's closing price of $80.73 per barrel is 7% more expensive than two weeks ago, according to AAA.
"Oil and gasoline futures prices rose the past two consecutive weeks, which raised the cost of producing gasoline," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a statement. "Futures prices reportedly increased on data that fuel demand is outpacing fuel inventories. Price fluctuations like this is very common during the summer travel season."
Resources and tips on how to save gas
AAA advises drivers with resources and ways to save on gas as prices increase with this summer's travel season.
- Combine errands: Limiting driving time, especially short distances, can help reduce the amount of gas used at a given time.
- Pay with cash: A credit or debit card may be more expensive, depending on the gas retailer.
- Declutter your car: Removing excess weight can improve fuel efficiency. Every 100 lbs removed improves fuel economy by 1-2%, according to AAA.
- Drive cautiously: Extreme acceleration and speeding can reduce a car's fuel economy.
- Maintain your vehicle: Tuning up your car, including regular oil changes, can help optimize fuel economy.
Gas savings programs
- BJs, Costco and Sam's Club: Each wholesale dealer has discounted prices for members.
- Circle K: Inner Circle saves members 25 cents per gallon on the first five fill-ups and starts them with 3 cents per gallon in savings. After spending $500 on fuel, food and beverages, members will be upgraded to premium and save 5 cents per gallon. Inner Circle also includes food and beverage savings on the app.
- Shell: AAA members can enroll in Shell's Fuel Rewards program and save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional trip.
Finding the lowest gas prices
- AAA app: The AAA app allows members to find the lowest gas prices in the area.
- AAA gas cost calculator: The online calculator lets users determine anticipated trip fuel costs.
- GasBuddy: GasBuddy allows users to find the lowest gas prices in the area. The app offers exclusive deals to refund users per gallon after uploading receipts of gas purchases at certain retailers.
