GAINESVILLE, FL (352Today.com) – A new report from the American Automobile Association contains some mixed news–good for the Sunshine State as a whole, but not so good for residents of North Central Florida in particular.
According to AAA, last week’s two-cent drop in the statewide average price per gallon of auto gasoline brought it to its lowest point since December 2023. Sunday’s average was $.28 less than last month, and $.19 below this time last year.
“Florida gas prices continue to fluctuate week to week, but the overall trajectory is downward,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Robust global oil supplies and the seasonal dip in gasoline demand have helped push pump prices to their lowest level in almost two years.”
The report found the lowest gas prices statewide in the panhandle, where gas was $2.70 in Fort Walton Beach and $2.71 in Pensacola.
Unfortunately, Gainesville ranked among those locations where gas prices remain the highest. The AAA said fuel was $3 even per gallon in Gator Country. Other, perhaps more expected locations in Florida where prices remain high include Naples ($2.98) and West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.10).
Here are some tips from AAA for conserving gas:
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Drive conservatively. Avoid aggressive acceleration and speeding, which reduces fuel economy.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community by using the AAA mobile app.
- Pay with cash. Some retailers charge more per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.