Gas prices in Florida are steadily dropping. Drivers are paying an average of $2.79 for a gallon of regular unleaded, 12 cents less than they paid in late March.
AAA Auto Club says current prices are similar to April of 2019, when conditions were more typical - before the pandemic.
"Gasoline demand remains strong, but what has helped push gas prices lower is improved refinery operations," said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. "Refineries struggled through much of February and early March after harsh winter weather caused mass power outages. Those refineries are mostly back up to full operation. They're now pumping out gasoline at a rate not seen since autumn."
Overall, the latest weekly data suggests U.S. fuel demand has returned to its highest level since October. AAA says it's an encouraging sign that drivers are back on the road, but demand for gas remains 6% below pre-pandemic levels.
As of last week, Florida’s most expensive metro markets are West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.94), Tallahassee ($2.91), and Panama City ($2.90).
The cheapest areas in the state to get gas are Punta Gorda ($2.67), Orlando ($2.72), and Jacksonville ($2.72).
