ORLANDO, Fla. – The effects from last week’s flooding in South Florida are being felt right here in Central Florida at the gas pumps, with gas prices about to pump up.
With the prices of oil on the rise, Florida drivers should expect gas prices to go up as well, according to AAA. As of Monday, the average price per gallon is $3.56.
Oil prices reached a new 2023 high of $83.26 per barrel — which could mean another 5-cent increase at the pump.
Mark Jenkins from AAA said gas suppliers from Orlando, Tampa and Port Canaveral had to step in last week and provide fuel to South Florida, all after last week’s flood caused the Port Everglades terminal to shut down. That’s a major supplier of gas for Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami, and also a supplier of about 40% of the state’s gasoline.
“As a result of that, what it does is puts a little bit of a squeeze here in the Central Florida area, and as a result, gas prices have gotten more expensive,” Jenkins said.
In South Florida, historic flooding led to some gasoline outages in various stations in the area, according to AAA.
The flooding interrupted operations at Port Everglades, which serves 40% of the gasoline that sails into Florida. Gasoline was brought in from Port Canaveral, Tampa and Orlando while it was out of service.
Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine said they’re seeing progress. Tuesday afternoon, he tweeted Port Everglades had 8 operational gas terminals out of 12. He said stations are getting supplies by the minute.
“The hope though is things should resolve down in South Florida by the end of the week, and prices should be coming down soon,” Jenkins said.
Our News 6 crew saw gas as high as $3.75 in Orange and Seminole counties. The state’s average gas price Tuesday was around $3.61.
In Orlando, according to AAA, the average Tuesday was $3.63. Last week, it was $3.57 and last month was $3.47
“I’m trying to find it in the budget man. Cut corners anyway I can,” said driver Anthony Dominguez.
“I was not able to fill up today. It was just too expensive,” said driver Aurora Calderon.
Johnny Morrison works for a local landscaping company called Southern Image Landscape.
“It’s went up. So, we’ve got to charge clients more money because of the value that went up,” Morrison said.
“Please not any higher. We don’t need any higher than that,” said driver Myra Joseph.
AAA predicts there could be some relief soon.
“The hope right now, is what we’re seeing at the pumps right now is the most expensive or the most we’ll be paying for gas for the rest of the year, because spring time tends to be when gas is the most expensive,” said Mark Jenkins.
Jenkins from AAA said the reason in general for spring being more expensive for gas in part is because there’s generally more demand and less supply in the spring, including spring break travelers and many tourists who visit the state.
He also said because refineries usually conduct seasonal maintenance in the spring.
Regional Prices
- Most expensive metro markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.74), Miami ($3.65), Fort Lauderdale ($3.63)
- Least expensive metro markets – Panama City ($3.44), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.44), Pensacola ($3.46)
Ways to save on gasoline
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
- Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle.
- Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: