ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The state average for gas prices went up 12 cents last week, reaching a new 2024 record, according to an AAA press release.
The new average, now standing at $3.62 per gallon, is in reaction to gains in the gas futures market, the release said.
Easter Sunday’s average price stood at $3.59 per gallon, which is 11 cents more than what commuters paid this time last year.
However, the current price is also lower than last year’s springtime high of $3.72, which was recorded on April 21, 2023.
AAA attributed the latest surges in prices to multiple factors including higher demand, seasonal maintenance, the introduction of pricy summer gasoline into the market and “geopolitical tensions,” among other factors.
Prices in the Tampa Bay area are in line with the state average at $3.61 per gallon, according to the AAA website. Prices were at $3.47 a week ago, 9 cents higher than the month’s average in March.
Drivers will find the most expensive gas prices in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area, Naples and Port St. Lucie, while drivers traveling through the Florida Panhandle will see the least expensive prices.