(TALLAHASSEE, FL/NSF) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is asking Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in the state, due to the high cost of food and gas.
Fried, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor, says an emergency declaration would allow her department the ability to suspend a law that requires gas stations to sell fuel at or above cost.
Fried says most businesses that sell fuel make most of their money on other items like food, beer and snacks.
According to Fried, allowing them to sell gasoline below cost could directly help consumers save money at the pump, while also decreasing transportation costs for food suppliers.
“We need to be doing everything possible to help lower prices for Floridians in need. I am eager to take this step to lower gas prices, which my department can only take during a state of emergency.”
Gasoline prices in Florida have reached record highs recently, currently averaging four dollars and 50 cents per gallon.
A recent law signed by Governor DeSantis will suspend Florida’s gasoline tax, but the measure doesn’t take effect until October.
(From The News Service of Florida)