AAA: Florida Gas Prices Hit 6-Month Highs

Daytona Beach, FL - After state prices jumped 13 cents, AAA’s latest report says drivers in the Sunshine State are paying the highest price for gas since March. According to Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA, drivers are now feeling the effects of Hurricane Laura, which struck the Gulf Coast almost two weeks ago. "Wholesale prices shot up, because the storm affected refineries in the region," said Jenkins. "It took several days, but retailers eventually raised retail prices as a result of the added cost." And despite the recent hike, drivers still found the lowest labor day prices in 16 years. Monday’s (September 7th) state average of $2.19 per gallon (regular unleaded) is 12 cents more than last week and five cents more than last month. Still, pump prices remain 24 cents per gallon less than this time last year. "Florida gas prices should begin to trickle down this week," Jenkins continued. "Labor Day traditionally marks the last big travel weekend of the summer, which leads to lower gasoline demand during the fall." However, Jenkins also noted that demand was already unseasonably low this summer due to the pandemic. "While pump prices should remain low, it’s possible that some volatility continues in the coming months." Locally, Volusia and Flagler drivers are looking at the same county averages of $2.19 a gallon, which is eight cents higher than Volusia’s starting average last week. Once again, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area had the highest averages in the state with $2.29, while Crestview had the lowest with $2.14. The national average as of Tuesday (September 8th) is $2.21.