AAA: Gas Prices Jump 10 Cents

Daytona Beach, FL - After falling for almost a month straight, Florida’s gas prices start off October by jumping 10 cents. Which, according to AAA, isn’t that uncommon. "It’s not uncommon for gas prices to suddenly jump at the end or beginning of the month," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. "That’s because many retailers enter into new monthly contracts on fuel deliveries, which can come with a higher price tag." Jenkins further added when retailers pass the added cost to the consumer, they do it at the start of the month, then allow the market to dictate the direction of prices from there. So if October is anything like September for the fuel market, Florida could see prices begin to dip again. "The good news for drivers is that during the past few months, we’ve seen fuel prices trickle lower as the month progresses." Per AAA’s report, the state’s average sits at $2.19 per gallon (regular unleaded). On average, September was the most expensive month at the pump since March. The monthly average price in September was $2.15 per gallon. That’s five cents per gallon more than what drivers paid in August, yet 30 cents per gallon less than what drivers paid in September 2019.  Locally, Volusia County’s average price followed suit with the state’s and jumped nine cents to $2.19 per gallon, while Flagler jumped 10 cents to $2.18 per gallon—a higher jump than Volusia, but still a smaller average price. Yet again, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton had the highest average prices in the state with $2.29. And, this time instead of Punta Gorda, Tallahassee was found to have the lowest average in the state with $2.09. The national average sits at $2.19.