Daytona Beach, FL - Gasoline prices are going up fast throughout the country, including the Daytona Beach area.
AAA's latest report shows the average for a gallon of regular has gone up 10 cents locally in the past week and 11 cents in Florida, due mostly to a big jump in the price of crude oil. Similar jumps were also reported in mid, premium and diesel grades.
The current average in Volusia and Flagler counties is $2.33, which is 20 cents less than it was at this point last year.
The current statewide average is $2.34 per gallon. That's the highest it's been so far in 2019, according to AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins.
"Gas prices rose as predicted last week due to crude price gains and oil refineries conducting seasonal maintenance," Jenkins added. "Gas prices may fluctuate over the next couple weeks but will mostly follow an upward trend this spring as demand rises and refineries switch to a more expensive summer-blend gasoline."
Crude prices have risen more than $12 per barrel so far this year, per Jenkins, and Florida drivers are still paying 18 cents less per gallon than this time last year.
"AAA forecasts the national average should peak at around $2.75 by Memorial Day weekend," Jenkins noted. "That opens the door for an average increase of another 35 cents this spring."
The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area has the highest average of all Florida metro areas at $2.46, followed by Miami ($2.39) and Sebastian-Vero Beach ($2.38).
Jacksonville is lowest of all Florida metros at ($2.29), followed by The Villages ($2.31) and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($2.31).
The current national average is $2.39, eight cents higher than a week ago but 13 cents less than at this point last year.
