Gas prices dip following Labor Day

Following Labor Day weekend and Hurricane Idalia hitting North Central Florida, gas prices dropped regionally and statewide over the past week.

According to Thursday’s AAA report, the Gainesville area had a seven-cent decrease per gallon from $3.81 to $3.74 since last week. In Florida, the average cost dropped from $3.69 to $3.65. Nationally, prices dipped to $3.80 from $3.82.

The decrease comes despite a recent increase in the price of oil.  

“Pump prices appear to be defying the odds at the moment, despite the surge in the cost of oil,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in the press release. “This uneasy balancing act may last until we get beyond hurricane season and its threats to Gulf Coast oil and gas production and refining.”  

New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand increased from 9.07 to 9.32 million barrels per day (b/d) last week. Nationally, gasoline stocks dropped from 217.4 to 214.7 million barrels of crude oil (bbl). With rising oil prices, higher gas demand, and tighter supply, pump prices may increase in the coming weeks. 

Thursday’s national average of $3.80 is two cents less than a month ago but four cents less than last year’s $3.76.

Florida remains the 23^rd least expensive price per gallon nationally. Last month, gas was $3.82 per gallon and last year it was $3.50 statewide.  

In the Gainesville area, last month’s price was $3.87 per gallon and last year it was $3.55.

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

• $3.49 at Pilot, 17276 US 301, Waldo
• $3.49 at Texaco, 1602 NE Waldo Rd., Gainesville
• $3.55 at Murphy’s Express, 6323 NW 23^rd St., Gainesville
• $3.57 at Circle K, 4565 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.57 at Circle K, 5708 NW 34^th St., Gainesville
• $3.57 at Marathon, 9600 Martin Luther Hwy, Gainesville
• $3.59 at BP, 15295 NE US Highway 301, Waldo
• $3.59 at Raceway, 15330 NW US 301, Waldo
• $3.59 at Circle K, 16070 Martin Luther King Blvd., Alachua

Quick Stats

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest changes in their averages: Michigan (−7 cents), Wisconsin (−7 cents), California (+6 cents), Nevada (+6 cents), Delaware (−6 cents), Ohio (−6 cents), Washington, D.C. (−6 cents), Maryland (−6 cents), South Carolina (−5 cents) and Tennessee (−5 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Mississippi ($3.28), Louisiana ($3.35), Texas ($3.37), Tennessee ($3.39), Alabama ($3.40), Arkansas ($3.40), South Carolina ($3.45), Kentucky ($3.47), Missouri ($3.49) and North Carolina ($3.50).