As of Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by eight cents to $3.50, according to AAA The Auto Club’s pricing tracker.
Locally, Osceola County’s average Monday morning was $3.52, down 2 cents from the weekend, but up 16 cents in a week and a whopping 42 cents in a month.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand rose slightly. While winter storms at the end of 2022 have contributed to tighter supply, the mild winter this month may have led to more drivers getting behind the wheel, pushing pump prices higher, AAA said.
If demand remains robust, drivers will likely see pump prices increase through the week,” AAA’s release noted. “Additionally, the cost of oil has been bolstered this week amid ongoing market optimism that global oil demand will be more robust than anticipated in 2023 due to China re-opening its economy after imposing strict COVID-19 lockdowns that curtailed demand.”
Florida’s average is up to $3.56 per gallon, an 18-cent increase in the last week — the sixth-highest increase among states (Colorado leads with a 25-cent increase). To compare, Florida averaged $3.133 per gallon a month ago, and gas under $3 was briefly found around town — and not just at wholesale stores like BJ’s or Sam’s Club. One year ago, gas averaged $3.34 per gallon.
