Area gas prices near $4 per gallon

After a one-week dip in gas prices, the cost increased in the Gainesville area four cents and statewide by seven cents per gallon.

Last week, the cost per gallon went down to $3.85, but according to Thursday’s AAA release, unleaded fuel went to $3.89 locally. In Florida, the average price jumped seven cents to $3.85 and the national average went up five cents to $3.87.

The release said despite the lower demand and the price of oil falling to just above $80 per barrel, the potential for hurricanes and expanding heat forecasts over Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas next week could push oil prices higher. Refineries in these states could curb production to deal with the hot temperatures.

“The heat is returning, and we are also entering the heart of hurricane season,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in the press release. “While fewer drivers are fueling up at the moment, these looming weather concerns are a roadblock to falling pump prices. Gas Prices may keep waffling until mid-September or longer.”

New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand slid from 9.30 to 8.85 million barrels per day (b/d) last week. Nationally, gasoline stocks decreased from 216.4 to 216.2 million barrels of crude oil (bbl). Even with the falling demand, fluctuating oil prices kept pump prices elevated.

Thursday’s national average of $3.87 is up 31 cents from a month ago but seven cents less than last year.

Florida has the 18^th most expensive price per gallon nationally after the increase from last week’s to $3.77. Last month, gas was $3.40 per gallon and last year it was $3.60 statewide.  

In the Gainesville area, last month’s prices were at $3.42 per gallon and last year they were at $3.65.

According to gasbuddy.com, here are the lowest prices to fill up in Alachua County:   

• $3.59 at BP, 15295 NE US Highway 301, Waldo
• $3.59 at Raceway, 15330 NW US Highway 301, Waldo
• $3.59 at Pilot, 17276 US Highway 301, Waldo
• $3.75 at Love’s Travel Stop, 5615 SE US Highway 301, Hawthorne
• $3.75 at Texaco, 6850 SE US Highway 301, Hawthorne
• $3.75 at Sunoco, 528 NW 8^th Ave., Gainesville
• $3.76 at Sam’s Club, 4001 SW 30^th Pl., Gainesville
• $3.78 at Chevron, 830 NW 1^st St., High Springs
• $3.78 at Chevron, 401 N. Main St., High Springs
• $3.78 at The Short Stop, 2610 NE 39^th Ave., Gainesville

Quick Stats

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest increases in their averages: Arizona (+20 cents), Indiana (+17 cents), Michigan (+16 cents), Utah (+14 cents), Illinois (+12 cents), West Virginia (+9 cents), Wisconsin (+9 cents), California (+9 cents), New Mexico (+9 cents) and Kansas (+8 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($5.18), Washington ($5.03), Hawaii ($4.79), Oregon ($4.69), Alaska ($4.49), Nevada ($4.42), Utah ($4.23), Arizona ($4.19), Illinois ($4.17) and Idaho ($4.10).