AAA: Gas prices drop 17 cents; falling to three-month lows

Gas prices continue their downward march, after another week of losses in the oil market and underwhelming gasoline demand figures. News out of the European Union helped to ease global supply concerns.”

Mark Jenkins, AAA

Florida gas prices dropped an average of 17 cents per gallon last week.  It was the largest weekly decline since gas prices began falling six weeks ago. 

The state average has now declined a total of 79 cents per gallon, since setting a new record high of $4.89/g in mid-June. On Sunday, the state average was $4.10 per gallon, yet drivers are finding pump prices well below $4 a gallon in some regions. At the rate pump prices are declining, the state average could slip below $4 a gallon this week, for the first time since March 6.

The cost to fill an average 15-gallon tank of gas has declined by nearly $12 since mid-June. When prices were at their peak, it cost an average of $73 for a fill-up. Now, it's about $61.50. 

"Gas prices continue their downward march, after another week of losses in the oil market and underwhelming gasoline demand figures," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "News out of the European Union helped to ease global supply concerns. The EU has reportedly loosened sanctions, allowing Russian state-owned companies to deliver fuel, in an effort to help boost supplies. The lower price of crude lowers the cost of producing gasoline. 

"Meanwhile, gas prices are under additional downward pressure due to a pullback in gasoline demand. The latest readings from the EIA put gasoline demand at 5%-10% below year-ago levels. This has those in the market believing that Americans are changing their driving habits to offset rising gas prices. Those prices at the pump are moving lower as a result." 

The U.S. price for crude oil settled at $94.70 per barrel on Friday. That's $2.89 (3%) less than the week before. 

Apopka Gas Prices

From gasbuddy.com

Regional Prices

• Most expensive metro markets – Naples ($4.38), West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($4.36), Fort Lauderdale ($4.22)
• Least expensive metro markets – Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.83), Sebring ($3.88), Melbourne-Titusville ($3.91)

Ways to Save on Gasoline

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community. 
• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.

AAA Resources for Drivers

• Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell's Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon each additional trip to the pump. Click here for more information.
• Get a tune-up. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.
• Find the lowest gas prices in your area by using the free AAA mobile app.
• Determine anticipated fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA's Gas Cost Calculator.

Find Florida Gas Prices

• Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com 
• State and metro averages can be found here

	Sunday	Saturday	Week Ago	Month Ago	One Year Ago
National	$4.366	$4.382	$4.532	$4.926	$3.155
Florida	$4.097	$4.113	$4.269	$4.720	$2.969
Georgia	$3.901	$3.915	$4.045	$4.427	$2.969
Click here to view current gasoline price averages

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.