(TALLAHASSEE/NSF/May 13, 2022) — Gas prices in Florida are at an all-time high, up seven cents per gallon since yesterday, and 28 cents higher than one week ago. According to Triple A Auto Club, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Florida is now four dollars and 47 cents per gallon, which is four cents higher than the national average. Gas prices are up one dollar and 57 cents per gallon from one year ago, while diesel prices have nearly doubled over the past year.
Triple A spokesman Mark Jenkins says many factors are contributing to the increased costs.
“Right now, what’s driving prices is the expectation that demand for the summer driving season is going to be much stronger than last year. You couple that with lowering supplies here domestically and stronger demand internationally.”
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill last week that will suspend the state’s roughly 25-cent-a-gallon gas tax, but not until October.
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried issued an emergency rule Wednesday that allows the additional sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, or what is known as E15. The rule follows a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency temporary waiver approved this month related to E15, which is typically available in winter months.
(From The News Service of Florida)