ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re planning to travel behind the wheel before the holidays, make sure to check for gas prices.
On Sunday, Florida’s average was $2.86 a gallon and just four days later, that jumped over 20 cents to $3.07. The national average is now at $3.12.
Sunday’s state average was the lowest daily average price since June 2021. Gas prices had dropped 31 cents in 17 days before they jumped back up to over $3 a gallon.
According to AAA, a rise in oil prices is being blamed for the increase.
“Oil prices have shot up back above $70 a barrel in response to crude oil tanker ships being targeted in the Red Sea,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “That’s creating a lot of concerns in the oil market about global supply and demand.”
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Earlier this month, AAA predicted a record 6.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more from home for the holidays.
Ways to save on gasoline:
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
- Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
- Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
AAA resources for drivers:
- Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon each additional trip to the pump. Click here for more information.
- Get a tune-up. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.
- Find the lowest gas prices in your area by using the free AAA mobile app.
- Determine anticipated fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA’s Gas Cost Calculator.
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