Florida gas prices rise above $4 per gallon amid crude oil surge

Gasoline prices in Florida have risen above $4 per gallon, with the statewide average reaching $4.14 on Sunday. This represents a 23-cent increase from the previous week and a $1.18 increase compared to last year.

According to AAA, the surge is driven by rising crude oil costs, which have climbed nearly 20% in the last two weeks from approximately $83 to over $100 per barrel. This volatility is linked to intensified tensions in the Middle East, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Mark Jenkins, a spokesperson for AAA, noted that if crude oil prices remain elevated, the statewide average could reach as high as $4.19 per gallon.

Regional variations were observed across the state, with the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area seeing the highest metro average at $4.30, while Panama City and Pensacola reported the lowest at $3.97.