The News Service of Florida
Gasoline prices might have peaked for the year as refineries continue a conversion to the cheaper winter blend, according to the AAA auto club. But global conditions could always affect pump prices. AAA said Monday the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $3.60, down from $3.69 a week earlier. The national average price was $3.85, down 3 cents from a week earlier.
“The recent drop in the national average, while small, is fairly typical this time of year as much of the country makes the switch to less-expensive winter blend gasoline,” AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said in a prepared statement. “But the gradual seasonal decline in pump prices is being slowed by higher oil costs, hovering around $90 a barrel.” The winter blend of gas is cheaper but slightly less energy-efficient than the summer blend.
It has been shown to help with engine ignition during colder temperatures. Moving from summer blend to winter blend usually can lead to drops in prices of 10 to 30 cents. Florida’s average price Monday was 13 cents lower than a month ago but 22 cents higher than a year ago.
