Daytona Beach, FL - While the state average is 16 cents more than the daily average on January 1, Drivers are still paying 53 cents per gallon less than they did in early October.
The newest numbers from AAA show that while prices have gone up, drivers enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years.
Their report shows that state gas prices averaged $2.19 per gallon of regular unleaded, which is 31 cents less than January 2018's average and 18 cents lower than January of 2017.
"Gas prices jumped in Florida last week, while surrounding states saw pump prices decline," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, for AAA "This is the time of year when gas prices become more volatile in Florida, due to rising demand. While harsh winter weather can deteriorate gasoline demand in northern states, the opposite is true in Florida, which sees an influx of winter residents. During this time, refiners will evaluate their equipment, make repairs, and prepare for the busy summer driving season."
So far the beginning of February is showing another increase in prices, with the current state average sitting at $2.28 per gallon of regular unleaded.
Locally, drivers in the Volusia and Flagler county areas are seeing an average of $2.28 per gallon of regular unleaded, which is on par with the state average.
That's 16 cents over last month's average for Volusia County and 9 cents for Flagler, according to AAA's report.
Driver in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Panama City and Naples are seeing the highest averages in the state with West Palm Beach and Panama City sitting at $2.37 per gallon of regular unleaded and $2.32 a gallon in Naples.
Pensacola, Sebastion-Vero Beach and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach are seeing the lowest averages in the state with $2.20, $2.23 and $2.25, respectively.
For the full report, you can click here and visit AAA's page.
