ORLANDO, Fla. – Gas prices across Florida have surged to their highest level on Easter weekend in more than 20 years, straining drivers’ budgets.
The national average for a gallon of gas has exceeded $4 for the first time in four years, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Iran. In Central Florida, prices are climbing even higher — reaching $4.22 per gallon ahead of the Easter weekend.
For many Central Florida drivers, the price hike is hitting close to home.
“It’s 70 bucks today. And it’s just a little car. Little tank. When I fill the truck up, it’s over 100 pretty much every time,” Bob Young said.
Young says the financial strain goes beyond just filling up his tank.
“You almost can’t afford to do anything anymore because the gas prices are just ridiculous. I mean, I work a job, I travel. I can’t afford to put gas in the cars anymore,” Young said. “I’ll bet I go through $300 a week in gas budget.”
Other drivers echoed similar frustrations. David Rawiszer said the math adds up quickly.
“I mean, at 4.25, you’re talking about 40 to $60, you know, a 40 to $60 a tank. So it’s significant,” he said.
Others braced for a bigger hit at the pump when they stopped to fill up.
“I’m guessing 90 maybe to fill up my tank,” Jessica Renteria said.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Easter weekend gas prices in Florida had stayed below $4 per gallon for the past three years. The last time prices topped that mark was in 2022, shortly after the start of the war in Ukraine.
Rawiszer said the toll has been so significant that he started using other modes of transportation.
“It’s devastating. If you’re an average Joe like myself, it’s a big part of your expenses to get around now. So, guess what you see behind me? There’s a bike,” he said.
Still, drivers are hopeful prices won’t stay this high for long.
“It would be nice to see it stabilized so that the middle class can enjoy a little bit of leisure with their money,” Rawiszer said.