ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s gas prices have hit a new high for the year.
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That’s according to the latest data from AAA.
The auto club reported an 18-cent surge in prices last week.
On Friday, the state average climbed to its 2023 high of $3.84 for a gallon of regular unleaded.
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That toppled the previous high of $3.72, set in April.
AAA said rising global oil prices are contributing to consumers’ pain at the pump.
Experts added that the wave of extreme heat has kept Gulf Coast refineries from running at full capacity.
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But a recent report showed refinery operations appear to be improving, AAA said.
That, along with a decrease in demand caused by slowing summer travel brought on by a new school year, could help to push prices back down.
But that’s not a given, thanks to the uncertainty of Mother Nature.
“Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump during the coming months, particularly as we approach peak hurricane season,” AAA’s Mark Jenkins said.
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He added that even the mere threat of a hurricane could cause another spike in gas prices in Florida, since the majority of the state’s supply is fueled by refineries along the Gulf’s coastline.
“How high gas prices go from there — and for how long — would then be based on whether those refineries suffered any long-term damage.”
Here’s to hoping it’s all hypothetical.
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