Strong Demand Leads To Rise In Local Gas Prices

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Daytona Beach, FL - An uptick in gasoline demand nationwide leads to higher prices at the pump in Volusia and Flagler counties.

The latest AAA report has drivers in Volusia paying an average of $2.80 per gallon of regular unleaded, six cents more than last week but still a cent under the state average. The average in Flagler is $2.79, also six cents more than last week and two cents below the state average.

“Strong demand pushed gas prices higher in some states last week as families squeeze in one final vacation before the kids go back to school,” said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. “However, the most recent figures from the [U.S Energy Information Administration] show gasoline demand is beginning to slip, which relieves some of that upward pressure on prices at the pump."

Florida is averaging $2.81 per gallon of regular unleaded, putting it 22nd lowest in the nation. That’s five cents shy of the national average of $2.86 but also five cents higher than it was a week ago.

While prices remained the same as last month, Floridians are paying nearly 50 cents more than this time last year, which Jenkins says isn't that unusual.

“Traditionally, gas prices decline in the second half of the year due to lower demand,” Jenkins continued. “However, oil analysts forecast significant volatility in the oil market through the end of the year, leaving a big question mark for the long-term direction of prices at the pump.”

The highest average right now in Florida is the West Palm Beach area at $2.89. The lowest is a three-way tie between Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and Jacksonville at $2.78.