Gas prices in Florida dropped slightly in the past week in the aftermath of Hurricane Delta.
According to a report from AAA, on Sunday, the average gallon of gas in Florida on Sunday cost $2.16, down three cents from the start of last week and also three cents under the national average.
“Pump prices are trending lower even as Hurricane Delta made landfall along the Gulf Coast refinery region,” AAA noted. “Preliminary reports suggest the storm had more of a limiting effect on regional demand than supply. Most of the refineries in the storm’s path were already shut down from Hurricane Laura – which blew through the region more than a month ago. However, the storm knocked out power to Colonial Pipeline, which carries fuel from the Gulf Coast oil refineries to markets across the southeastern United States, ending in North Carolina. Line One, which carries gasoline was restored on Saturday. However, Line Two – which carries Diesel fuel remained shut down as of press time.”
“It’s still a little early to know what, if any, impacts Hurricane Delta will have on gas prices in Florida,” said Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA and the Auto Club Group. “For now, wholesale gasoline prices are at a level that could allow pump prices to drop another five cents in the short term. However, prices in the coming weeks will likely be swayed by news coming out of the Gulf Coast, as crews assess any storm damage to refineries and pipelines.”
The West Palm Beach – Boca Raton market had the most expensive gas in the state with an average of $2.28 a gallon followed by Ocala at $2.20 a gallon and Naples at $2.19 a gallon.
Tallahassee had the least expensive has in Florida with an average of $2.09 a gallon followed by Punta Gorda at $2.10 a gallon and the Crestview – Fort Walton Beach area at $2.12 a gallon.
