Gas prices on the rise in Alachua County

Gas prices in Alachua County are right on track with the national average of $3.09 as some local gas stations have updated their prices from $3.05 to $3.11 a gallon on Wednesday.

 

According to a AAA report that estimates about 43.6 million Americans will take a road trip over the holiday weekend, that average may increase as much as a nickel leading up to Independence Day. 

 

“Today (June 28), 89 percent of U.S. gas stations are selling regular unleaded for $2.75 or more. That is a stark increase over last July 4 when only a quarter of stations were selling gas for more than $2.25,” Jeanette McGee, AAA spokesperson stated in a press release. “Road trippers will pay the most to fill up for the holiday since 2014.”

 

According to GasBuddy.com, Florida ranks in the middle of the gas price scale ranging from $2.81 in parts of Oklahoma to more than $4 per gallon in parts of Central California.

 

The City of Gainesville posted a notice on its Facebook page asking residents to buy what they need for the holiday weekend and avoid hoarding gas. 

 

“As we all prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we can expect demand for gasoline will strain supplies,” the post states. “Let’s help each other enjoy the holiday – away from long lines at the gas station. Do not panic-buy gas. Do not hoard gas.”