Courtesy: Image by IADE-Michoko from Pixabay
According to AAA Florida Auto Club, Florida’s average gas prices reached their highest level in the past week since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns began in March earlier this year. Despite the scary thought of “highest price” in actuality, prices are still relatively low.
As of December 28, 2020, Florida’s average price per gallon of gasoline is $2.195 when compared to the national average of $2.252. These figures point to the highest prices at the pump since the stay-at-home orders were issued in mid-March.
“December has seen the biggest pump price jump of any month this year, ending with a national average 11 cents higher than it began. Despite low demand, pump prices are more expensive because crude oil has seen steady gains,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, The Auto Club Group (AAA) spokesperson.
Florida residents tend to be a bit more spoiled at the pump and are seeing a 6 cent difference when compared to the rest of the nation (on average).
However, despite gas prices surging the way they have this holiday season, the state average of roughly $2.20 per gallon is 45 cents less than what motorists were paying for last year on Christmas Day, one cent less than the average price two years ago, and the lowest during the holiday in the past four years.
“Oil prices returned to pre-pandemic levels last week, so it should come as no surprise that gas prices followed suit,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. “Fuel prices have been pressured higher by optimism surrounding a new stimulus package and Covid-19 vaccine news. These are two big pieces in the puzzle for long term improvement in fuel demand, which has been heavily hampered by the pandemic.”
Over the past month, prices have gone up roughly 17 cents in the state from $2.03. It is expected that prices will continue to rise but fail to reach 2019’s mark.
“Crude oil prices increased more than 5 percent last week. A barrel of U.S. crude oil (WTI) settled at $49.10 on Friday. That’s $2.53 per barrel more than the week before and the highest daily settlement since February,” said an AAA press release.
Check daily gas prices in Florida by clicking here.
Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.