Gas prices are likely to remain low during the summer travel season in Florida.
AAA said Monday although prices rose by a penny last week in the Sunshine State, any additional gains may be hard to come by.
"Demand concerns are beginning to creep back into the market, now that cases of coronavirus are on the rise in Florida," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "State numbers suggest demand is holding steady, but market analysts worry about an eventual downturn. With wholesale prices turning lower, it's possible drivers will begin to see slightly lower prices at the pump this week."
Monday morning the average price for a gallon of regular in Florida was $2.03, compared the national average of $2.18, according to AAA.
Jacksonville remains among the lowest priced regions in Florida, where the average price Monday morning was $1.99, according to AAA. A year ago, the average price for a gallon of regular was $2.49 in Jacksonville.
Savvy area drivers can find it for sigificantly less than the average. WJCT’s gas prices page, which is powered by Gas Buddy, showed at least 10 locations across the city selling gas for under $1.90, with one station on Normandy Boulevard selling it at $1.68 at last check.
Related: Lowest Gas Prices Across Jacksonville
The three most expensive cities for gas in Florida currently are:
- West Palm Beach-Boca Raton - $2.15
- Gainesville - $2.11
- Tallahassee - $2.10
As rising COVID-19 cases set in, the price of oil dropped 5 percent by Friday, to a closing price of $38.49 per barrel. Wholesale gasoline took the biggest hit, falling 10 cents (10%) last week, according to AAA.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
