OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Florida gas prices continue to hover within the same 20-cent range they’ve maintained over the past five months. On Sunday, the statewide average was $3.09 per gallon. Prices rose by 10 cents early last week, but quickly dropped, ending just 1 cent higher than the previous week.

“For months, oil prices avoided significant swings, which also prevented gas prices from doing the same,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, bearish sentiment crept into the market, last week. Economic uncertainty and the potential for increased production from OPEC helped push oil prices to lows not seen since November. It’s unclear if this will have an effect on gas prices. Interestingly enough, the price of gasoline futures increased last week, likely because refineries are beginning to produce summer blend gasoline and spring break travel is causing higher demand for fuel.”

The price of U.S. crude oil dropped 4% last week, closing Friday at $67.04 per barrel, down $2.72 from the previous week. Conversely, gasoline futures rose 14 cents per gallon. As of Monday morning, GasBuddy.com reported the lowest price in Ocala at $2.88 per gallon at the Sam’s Club on SW College Rd.

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