ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida drivers saw a sharp jump in pump prices this week, with the state average increasing by more than 30 cents per gallon between Monday and Wednesday.
“I noticed the change,” driver Ruth Torres said.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins told News 6 the recent geopolitical events have tightened exports and pushed oil higher.
“Oil prices have increased as a result of that, rising about 7 dollars per barrel in just the past couple of days alone. That’s the equivalent of about a 20‑cent increase at the pump,” Jenkins said. “AAA does not predict gas prices, and it is still too early to know how much of an impact rising oil prices will ultimately have at the pump. However, higher crude oil costs typically lead to higher gas prices, so we’ll be watching the market closely over the coming days.”
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There are also seasonal patterns at work: rising travel for spring break and refineries switching to summer-blend gasoline, which can raise costs.
“It’s a special kind of blend of gasoline that enables vehicles to burn that fuel more efficiently during the hotter summer months,” Jenkins explained.
Drivers responded by topping off tanks ahead of higher prices.
“Well, I filled up my tank to make sure that I get it before it increases again,” Torres said.