Gas prices in the state of Florida rose moderately over the last week, according to data released by AAA. The report shows a three-cent increase in that time span, bringing the state average cost for a gallon of gas to $3.20.
“Drivers will likely continue to see gas prices fluctuate through the week, but there doesn’t currently appear to be any significant measure of relief on the way as of now,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins.
Those looking to jump to state or national politics to explain the price increase would be overlooking other economic factors driving the changes. According to Jenkins, the most significant factor behind the recent higher prices include domestic crude oil prices reaching a three-month high of $76.57 on January 10th, and not falling more than 4% at any time in the ensuing weeks.
Florida Gas Prices at a Glance
Compared to the nation as a whole, Florida drivers are paying somewhat more than most. AAA’s national average as of Sunday sat at $3.12, compared to $3.21 in Florida. The state’s northern neighbor, Georgia, is enjoying substantially lower prices with a $2.96 statewide average as of Sunday. Gas prices in Florida have risen about three cents in the last week, eleven cents in the last month, and are four cents higher than this time last year.
Both Flagler and Volusia counties are in line with the state average, with Flagler’s average as of Monday coming in at $3.20 and Volusia’s at $3.22. The Florida panhandle enjoys the cheapest gas prices in the state, while much of Central Florida along the Gulf of Mexico is seeing some of the more expensive gas in the state.
Cheap Gas in Flagler & Volusia Counties
According to user-reported data from the website GasBuddy, the cheapest gas in Flagler County is $2.98 at the member-exclusive BJ’s Wholesale Club. Other stations on the lower end that are available to the public include the Circle K on Palm Coast Pkwy, the Citgo on SR-A1A in the Hammock, and the AL Prime station on US-1 in Bunnell. Each of these stations are listed at $3.09 as of Monday afternoon.
In Volusia County, the cheapest gas price listed is at Express Mart in Orange City at $2.94 as of Monday. Non-exclusive prices under three dollars also include the Valero on Spring Garden Ave in DeLand, the Marathon on Nova Rd in Holly Hill, the BP on Derbyshire Rd in Holly Hill, the Citgo on Spring Garden Ave in DeLand, the Gate on Spring Garden Ave in DeLand, and the Buc-ee’s off LPGA Blvd in Daytona Beach.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
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