Drivers should expect to pay more at the pump this spring

Nationally gas prices are the highest of the year

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline hit their highest price point of 2018 on Saturday at $2.663 per gallon. Today's average is a half-cent more than last week, 13 cents more than a month ago, and 28 cents more than last year. Gas prices have edged higher this week following the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest weekly report that showed gasoline stocks dropped by 1.1 million barrels last week. Additionally, demand for gasoline continues to remain robust at 9.2 million barrels a day as the spring driving season kicks off, which saw demand measured at 9.25 million barrels a day at the same time in 2017. Drivers are likely to continue seeing prices increase as stations across the country begin to switch over to the more expensive summer blend ahead of the busy driving season.

"Supply and demand are the biggest factors driving the price at the pump," said Josh Carrasco, spokesperson, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "More motorists on the roadways, tight supply, and record crude exports have the potential for higher prices as we head into the spring."

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate crude oil decreased $1.48 to settle at $62.06. WTI has taken a hit alongside the equities market in the U.S. According to EIA reports, crude exports hit a record high of 15.2 million barrels last week. Domestic crude production also hit a record high 10.5 million barrels a day last week, which contributed to the U.S. shipping more oil to other countries.

Regional Gas Prices

Florida gas prices decreased by nearly 3 cents compared to a week ago. On average, Florida motorists are paying 9 cents more for a gallon of unleaded regular than one month ago, and 19 cents more compared to last year. Sunday's state average of $2.61 is just 6 cents below the highest price of 2018.

Gas prices had the most expensive start to April in four years, averaging $2.63 during the first 8 days of the month - an increase of 28 cents from April 2017.

The most expensive gas price averages in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.74), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.72), and Fort Lauderdale ($2.69).

The least expensive gas price averages in Florida are in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($2.55), Orlando ($2.55), Melbourne - Titusville ($2.56).

Gas Price Tools

Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com

Motorists can find the lowest gas prices on their smartphone or tablet with the free AAA Mobile app. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Gas Price Survey Methodology

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.