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FLORIDA - Florida drivers are seeing gas prices bounce up and down once again, continuing a months-long trend of unpredictable price shifts at the pump.
Just last week, the state average for a gallon of regular gasoline dipped below $3.00, marking the lowest price point in over a year.
According to AAA, the average fell to $2.96 per gallon early in the week—a welcome change for motorists.
But the relief didn’t last.
By Thursday, prices surged to $3.15 on average across the state, before settling back down to $3.09 by Monday.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said this type of fluctuation has been happening consistently since September, with most prices swinging between $3.00 and $3.20.
Jenkins pointed to the rising cost of domestic crude oil as a primary factor behind the latest spike, noting that crude just had its most expensive week of the month.
Seasonal changes are also playing a role.
As Florida transitions to summer-blend gasoline—a cleaner but more expensive formulation required by federal standards—production costs tend to rise, which typically leads to higher prices at the pump.
Combined with increased travel demand during spring break and warmer weather, this creates a perfect storm for price volatility.
Florida isn’t alone in this trend.
Nationally, average gas prices also rose in late March, hovering around $3.17 per gallon.
While regional differences remain, experts say drivers should be prepared for continued price swings heading into the summer travel season.