AAA: Gas Prices Likely To Rise Before July 4th

Posted

Daytona Beach, FL - Americans are three days away from Independence Day and AAA is expecting gas prices to climb in the Sunshine State just before the patriotic holiday.

Their latest gas report shows that Florida's gas prices could inch higher as more than 2.3 million Floridians prepare to travel for July 4th.

AAA is also predicting the state average to climb towards $2.60 per gallon (regular unleaded), primarily due to the growing tensions between the United States and Iran.

Prices at the pump already rose 11 cents last week, in response to a $5 per barrel increase in crude oil.

Gas prices are also forecast to rise again after a new report from the US Energy Information Administration showed strong demand and a larger-than-expected dip in oil and gasoline inventories.

Florida drivers are currently paying a state average of $2.53 per gallon. That's 10 cents more than a week ago, yet six cents less than last month and 20 cents less than last year.

"The recent jump at the pump should not deter Floridians from hitting the road for Independence Day," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, for AAA. "AAA still expects the most traveled Independence Day on record, and low gas prices is one of the reasons why."

Jenkins also says that crude prices have recently leveled out, so It's unlikely pump prices will see a significant hike unless something unexpected occurs and oil prices suddenly spike.

Currently, Volusia County drivers are looking at averages hovering around $2.53 per gallon, which is on par with the state average but four cents higher than last week's average.

Flagler County drivers are paying less with averages at $2.51 per gallon, which is no change compared to last week's numbers but it is two cents less than the state's average.

The highest average price in the state can be found in Panama City and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, who both tied at $2.63 per gallon, 10 cents higher than the state average.

The lowest average price is another tie, this time between Jacksonville and Punta Gorda, who both sit at $2.49 per gallon.

The national average is hovering around $2.71 per gallon. That's five cents higher than this time last week.