C.J. Gish
Gas prices in the Gainesville area and statewide dropped by more than 11 cents per gallon for the third straight week since reaching an all-time record of $4.89 in Florida on June 13.
According to the AAA press release on Monday, Florida’s price per gallon went down 14 cents to $4.41 since last week. In Gainesville, prices decreased to $4.42 compared to $4.63 last Monday.
The national average for a gallon of gas declined despite a slight rise in demand. This came after AAA forecasted a record-setting Fourth of July holiday for automobile travel.
“Usually, more people buying gas would lead to higher pump prices,” said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross in the release. “But the price for oil, the main ingredient in gasoline, has fallen and is hovering around $100 a barrel. Less expensive oil usually means less expensive gas.”
Last month, Florida’s price was $4.88, up from $3.01 one year ago. 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:
- $4.19 at Sam’s Club, 4400 SW 33rd Place, Gainesville
- $4.25 at Wawa, 4322 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville
- $4.25 at Circle K, 7302 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville
- $4.26 at BP, 6550 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville
- $4.26 at Murphy Express, 6323 NW 13th St., Gainesville
- $4.26 at Circle K, 3901 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville
- $4.26 at Circle K, 7501 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville
- $4.26 at Chevron, 6815 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville
- $4.29 at Circle K, 14225 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry
Monday’s national average of $4.68 is down 12 cents since a week ago and 32 cents since last month at $5. Last year, the national average was $3.14.
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.
Gas demand increased from 8.92 million barrels per day (b/d) to 9.41 million b/d prior to the Fourth of July weekend, while total domestic gas stocks decreased by 2.5 million barrels of oil (bbl), according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Quick Stats
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases: Texas (−18 cents), Ohio (−17 cents), Illinois (−17 cents), California (−16 cents), Wisconsin (−15 cents), Indiana (−15 cents), Kentucky (−15 cents), Alabama (−15 cents), Virginia (−14 cents) and Florida (−14 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: South Carolina ($4.18), Georgia ($4.18), Mississippi ($4.18), Louisiana ($4.22), Texas ($4.22), Alabama ($4.25), Arkansas ($4.26), Tennessee ($4.28), North Carolina ($4.31) and Kentucky ($4.37).
