Florida gas prices rise slightly

Gas prices rose in Florida for the first time in weeks.  

According to the AAA weekly report on Monday, the national average price per gallon rose 12 cents to $3.91. In Florida, the average went from $3.22 last week to $3.32 and from $3.26 to $3.36 in Gainesville.  

“Gas prices in California are finally cooling off, as more refineries come back online after undergoing maintenance and the switch to cheaper winter blends takes effect,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement. “High West Coast prices have played a major role in the recent climb in the national average for gas. Reversing this trend may help take some pressure off of pump prices.” 

Last week, gas demand increased nationally from 8.83 million barrels per day (b/d) to 9.47 million b/d. The high demand for gasoline has caused a surge in pump prices nationwide, according to the AAA.  

Florida has the fifth least expensive average price at $3.32 per gallon. A month ago, the average cost was $3.46 and last year it was $3.17. 

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

• $3.19 at Circle K, 15089 NW US-441, Alachua 
• $3.24 at Texaco, 4114 SW 13th St., Gainesville 
• $3.24 at CITGO, 809 N. Main St., Gainesville 
• $3.24 at Texaco, 6850 SE US 301, Hawthorne 
• $3.25 at Chevron, 1425 SE Hawthorne Rd., Gainesville 
• $3.26 at Sam’s Club, 4400 SW 33^rd Place, Gainesville 
• $3.26 at Love’s Travel Shop, 5615 SE US-301, Hawthorne 
• $3.29 at Chevron, 1024 W. University Ave., Gainesville 
• $2.29 at The Short Stop, 2610 NE 39^th Ave., Gainesville 
• $3.29 at Shell, 13820 NW 140th St., Alachua 

Quick Stats 

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: Maryland (+24 cents), Delaware (+24 cents), Illinois (+24 cents), Ohio (+23 cents), Louisiana (+22 cents), Tennessee (+21 cents), Indiana (+21 cents), Alaska (+20 cents), Mississippi (+20 cents) and North Carolina (+20 cents). 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($6.33), Alaska ($5.54), Oregon ($5.53), Nevada ($5.44), Washington ($5.40), Hawaii ($5.21), Arizona ($4.56), Idaho ($4.42), Illinois ($4.40) and Michigan ($4.35).