Florida gas prices edged lower last week, offering motorists modest relief even as crude oil and gasoline futures moved higher.
The statewide average price for regular gasoline stood at $3.87 per gallon Sunday, down 1 cent from the previous week and 2 cents from Saturday, according to AAA. Prices remain substantially higher than a year ago, however, with the current average about 79 cents above the $3.10 per gallon motorists were paying at the same time last year.
Florida prices also remained below the national average, which climbed 5 cents during the week to $4.07 per gallon.
The decline at the pump came despite rising energy prices. U.S. crude oil settled at $82.40 per barrel Friday, up $4.22, or about 5%, from the previous week. Gasoline futures also increased by about 20 cents.
“Florida drivers saw a little relief at the pump last week, even as oil prices moved higher,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. “That could limit how much further pump prices fall in the near term. If crude oil remains elevated, drivers could see renewed upward pressure at the pump.”
Gas prices varied across Florida. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton had the highest metro average at $4.07 per gallon, while Panama City had the lowest at $3.46. Pensacola averaged $3.67, followed by Crestview-Fort Walton Beach at $3.69.
