Florida gas prices hit their highest in 7 years

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – The numbers on gas station signs keep climbing, causing more and more pain at the pump.

The average price of gasoline in Florida rose 12 cents last week, with the current price of $ 3.17 highest dating back to October 2014, according to the American Automobile Association.

AAA says the rise in the price of crude oil is to blame and it could get worse as winter approaches.

“The recent jump at the pump is directly related to the rise in futures prices,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “The higher price of crude increases the cost of producing gasoline. Unfortunately, it is not known when these prices will come down.

Jenkins pointed out in a press release that the price of US crude oil jumped 5% last week and also hit its highest cost since October 2014. Globally, demand for oil has rebounded from the low of the 2020 pandemic, but the offer did not follow. rhythm, he said.

Patrick De Haan, who analyzes fuel prices for the GasBuddy website, tweeted that the country was spending about $ 430 million more on gasoline every 24 hours than it was a year ago.

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De Haan added that while many blame the change in the White House for the change in gas prices, global supply and demand are behind the surge.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned the price hike at a press conference Monday morning.

“I am really worried about rising gas prices,” DeSantis said. “It will hammer a lot of Floridians who go to work every day.”

The national average price of gas Monday morning is $ 3.27, according to AAA.

In South Florida, the average prices are:

• Miami-Dade County: $ 3.18

• Broward County: $ 3.21

• Monroe County: $ 3.24

• Palm Beach County: $ 3.32

For more information on Florida gas prices, click here.