AAA: Florida gas prices hold at four‑year highs amid global oil volatility

AAA reports the statewide average price slipped slightly early last week before rising again through the weekend. On Sunday, the state average was $3.96 per gallon.

That price is:

• 2 cents more than one week ago
• $1.06 more per gallon than last month
• 84 cents less than this time last year

Oil prices remain the primary driver of higher pump prices. Since the conflict with Iran began, oil prices have surged nearly 45 percent, driven by a series of sharp increases over the past four weeks. Last week, U.S. crude oil prices climbed to $99.14 per barrel, the highest daily settlement since July 2022 during the early stages of the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.

“Oil prices are doing most of the driving right now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA The Auto Club Group. “About half of what drivers pay at the pump comes down to the cost of crude oil. When oil prices spike this quickly and remain volatile, gas prices almost always follow.”

Since the conflict escalated earlier this month, Florida’s average gas price has jumped $1.07 per gallon, rising from $2.88 at the beginning of March to $3.96 per gallon on Sunday. That marks the highest daily average price Florida drivers have seen in four years, since July 2022, and adds roughly $16 to the cost of filling a 15-gallon gas tank.

AAA says continued volatility in global oil markets could keep prices unstable in the days ahead.

To help manage rising fuel costs, AAA recommends drivers:

• Combine errands to reduce unnecessary trips
• Drive carefully and avoid aggressive acceleration
• Keep vehicles properly maintained, including tire pressure and oil changes
• Shop around since gas prices can vary widely by station