Florida gas prices spike nearly 10% in one week

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida gas prices have ticked back up after a pre-Christmas dive saw pump costs at their lowest level in around two years.

“Daily gas prices will likely move back and forth for the next month or so,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said. “Looking back at pre-pandemic 2019, the national average did not make a firm turn to moving higher daily until Valentine’s Day, February 14.”  

As of Wednesday, Florida averaged $3.12 for a gallon of gas. The price was $2.86 on Dec. 17, a 26-cent increase in nine days.

Moreover, Florida’s price matched the national average. The mark is the first weekly uptick at the pump since September, according to AAA.

Since last Thursday, state gas prices have jumped 16 cents, the largest increase in the country. Florida was followed by Texas, Delaware and South Carolina in hikes. States with the biggest drop were Idaho, Nevada and California.

While California’s prices might have dropped, the state still had the second highest cost in the country at $4.57. California only trailed Hawaii at $4.68.

Notably, Florida was not listed in the top 10 of highest pump prices. Of all markets, seven of the 10 states were located in the west. The list also includes New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Florida’s recorded some of the highest gas prices. In Palm Beach County, for example, gas costed $3.30. Miami-Dade County had a price of $3.08, below the state average.

Much of Florida’s northern portion listed the lowest prices, including south of $3 in the panhandle and around $3 in the Big Bend region.

Winter demand for gas and elevated oil prices might keep prices high for the country.