MIAMI.- The price of gasoline in Florida rose 12 cents last week and averaged $3.58 per gallon, the same peak that was reached in January, under pressure from an increase in the oil price.
“The jump (in gas station prices) was expected, after OPEC announced oil production cuts which immediately caused oil prices to rise,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. – The Auto Club Group, which tracks gas prices.
“Hopefully after Monday’s initial gains, the oil market has stabilized for the rest of the week. Retail gasoline prices may be able to recover a little more this week before easing up fully adapt to the movements of the oil futures market,” says Jenkins.
The price of oil in the United States rose 6% on Monday after OPEC announced plans to cut more than one million barrels of oil a day. In March, oil prices plunged due to the banking crisis and fears that an economic slowdown would reduce demand for fuel. OPEC’s plans to cut production are pulling oil from a world market that was already short of supply. Their goal is to keep upward pressure on oil prices and it seems to be working, according to AAA.
THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND CHEAPEST GASOLINE IN FLORIDA
The highest gas prices last week were in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.74), Naples ($3.63) and Fort Lauderdale ($3.62). While the lowest prices were found in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.36), Panama City ($3.38), and Pensacola ($3.41).
In Miami-Dade and Broward, the average gas price woke up on Monday to $3.59 and $3.62, respectively, while in Palm Beach it was $3.75, according to the AAA survey.
If you are concerned about gas prices, there are small things you can do to save fuel and therefore money.
SAVING TIPS
There are ways in which drivers can save fuel, here is a list of recommendations from some specialists:
- Smoother driving, which can make your car engine more efficient. Do not exceed speed or run from one red light to the next.
- Compare the prices. Depending on where you live, there can be large or small price variations between gas stations. And even if the price difference per gallon is only pennies, it can still add up to hundreds of dollars a year.
- There are apps like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, and AAA TripTik, which you can use to find the best prices along your route.
- Some loyalty programs, which many large gas station chains have, offer discounts and most are free.
- Share trips with friends, family or trusted neighbors who have the same destination or are at least very close. Leaving the car at home for at least a day can make a difference.
- Maintain the air pressure in the tires of the vehicle at the recommended values and do not load the car to make it heavier.