C.J. Gish
For the third straight week, gas prices have steadily decreased throughout Florida and nationwide, but the downward spiral may be short-lived.
According to the AAA press release on Tuesday, Florida’s price per gallon went down 11 cents to $4.54 since last week after falling 15 cents the previous week. In Gainesville, prices dropped from $4.77 last week to $4.60.
Nationally, the average price fell to $4.80, down eight cents over last week. According to AAA, the main reason for the decline is fewer people fueled up over the past two weeks so there was less demand. However, the trend may end with the arrival of the summer driving season.
“Domestic gasoline demand dipped recently, which took some of the pressure off of pump prices,” said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross in the release. “About 80% of stations are now selling regular for under $5 a gallon. But July is typically the heaviest month for demand as more Americans hit the road, so this trend of easing prices could be short-lived.”
The national average hit an all-time high of $5.01 per gallon on June 14 with Florida’s highest average peaking at $4.89 on June 13 and Gainesville at $4.91 on June 15.
Last month, Florida’s price was $4.76 and last year was at $3.01. Florida ranks 38th in the nation for the highest average per gallon.
According to GasBuddy.com, the following locations have the best prices in Alachua County:
- $4.37 at Circle K, 19531 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs
- $4.37 at Circle K, 15089 NW US 441, Alachua
- $4.39 at BP, 6550 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville
- $4.42 at Murphy Express, 6323 NW 13th St., Gainesville
- $4.43 at Circle K, 5708 NW 34th St., Gainesville
- $4.45 at Shell, 13820 NW 140th St., Alachua
- $4.45 at Circle K, 45 SW 250th St., Newberry
- $4.45 at Circle K, 16130 NW US Hwy 441, Gainesville
- $4.45 at Raceway, 16171 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua
Tuesday’s national average of $4.80 is eight cents less than a week ago and down five cents since last month at $4.85. Last year, the national average was $3.13.
The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data shows gas demand is currently at 8.93 million barrels per day (b/d), which is down from last year’s rate of 9.11 million b/d. The total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million barrels of oil (bbl) to 221.6 million bbl. According to the AAA release, the supply/demand dynamics, along with decreasing oil prices, pushed pump prices lower.
Quick Stats
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases: Texas (−13 cents), Delaware (−13 cents), Arizona (−12 cents), Illinois (−12 cents), Indiana (−12 cents), Ohio (−12 cents), South Carolina (−11 cents), Florida (−11 cents), Virginia (−11 cents) and Maryland (−10 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: South Carolina ($4.29), Georgia ($4.30), Mississippi ($4.31), Louisiana ($4.35), Arkansas ($4.35), Texas ($4.39), Alabama ($4.39), Tennessee ($4.41), North Carolina ($4.43) and Oklahoma ($4.50).
