OCALA, FL (352t0day.com) – AAA – The Auto Club Group says that Florida drivers saw a bit of relief at the pump last week as the state average gas price dropped 7 cents per gallon, going from $3.17 to $3.10 per gallon by Sunday.

They say that the current state average is 11 cents less than a month ago and 41 cents cheaper than this time last year but add that this drop may be short-lived due to rising oil prices and the potential impact of Hurricane Milton.

“Oil prices rose last week on concerns that tensions in the Middle East could widen,” states Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. “This could contribute to an uptick in pump prices as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Milton.”

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Jenkins says that oil prices reached their highest levels in five weeks, with U.S. crude settling at $73.98 per barrel on Friday, a 9% increase from the previous week. He adds that the combination of these geopolitical factors and potential storm disruptions could soon push gas prices upward again.

Regional gas prices

According to AAA, the most expensive metro markets in Florida last week were West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.27), Naples ($3.21), and Gainesville ($3.17). The least expensive metro areas were Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($2.82), Panama City ($2.85), and Pensacola ($2.86).

Tips to save on gas

As gas prices fluctuate, AAA says that Floridians can save by:

  • Combining errands to reduce driving time.
  • Shopping around for the best prices in the area.
  • Paying with cash to avoid credit card surcharges.
  • Reducing vehicle weight and driving conservatively to improve fuel economy.

You can also report any retailers suspected of gas gouging to Florida’s Gas Gouging Hotline at 866.9NO.SCAM (866.966.7226).