AAA: Gas Prices Drop For Third Consecutive Week

Daytona Beach, FL - It looks like analysts are following the same trend Florida has been on since August: a decline in gas prices. AAA’s latest analysis shows the state’s gas price have slipped even lower, bringing the statewide average down to $2.10 per gallon (regular unleaded). And that’s with prices reported below $2 at some stations. The new average of $2.10—which is down three cents from last week’s starting average—is also the lowest average reported since August 31st. Pump prices are also 36 cents less than the same time from a year ago. "Gas prices are following their seasonal trend of declining during the fall," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. "With summer over and school back in session, Americans typically begin to cutback on road trips. The combination of lower fuel demand and strong gasoline supply levels is keeping downward pressure on prices at the pump." Jenkins also noted that gasoline demand is 9% lower than a year ago, according to weekly fuel data from the Energy Information Administration. Meanwhile, supplies are holding steady at almost 5% higher than this same time last year.  In the local area, Volusia County’s average price dropped to $2.10 per gallon, reflecting a three cent drop from last week’s starting average. Flagler’s average remains lower than Volusia’s, this time landing two cents lower than Volusia at $2.08, which is three cents down from Flagler’s last reported average. Once again, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton and Punta Gorda had the highest and lowest averages in the state with $2.23 and $1.97, respectively. The national average remains at $2.18.