FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Floridians taking Thanksgiving road trips will encounter the most expensive gas prices over the holiday since 2013, the American Automobile Association says.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the state jumped 10 cents in the middle of last week to $3.36, the highest price at any point since September 2014. It sat at $3.35 on Monday morning, six cents below the national average of $3.41.
AAA says that as 2.6 million Floridians prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, the average fill-up will cost $50 for a 15-gallon tank, which is $13 more than what Thanksgiving drivers paid before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
“High gas prices are not something drivers will be thankful for this Thanksgiving,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “The good news is gas prices should gradually decline through the holiday. Crude oil and gasoline futures dropped last week, and that should restore some downward pressure on prices at the pump.”
The U.S. price for crude oil dropped 6% last week, Jenkins said, falling from $80.79 to $76.10 per barrel. He said that’s the lowest since Oct. 1, when Florida was paying $3.05 per gallon for gas on average.
The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton metro area is the most expensive in Florida for gasoline as the week begins ($3.49), according to AAA data.
Monroe County is paying $3.47, Broward is paying $3.39, and Miami-Dade’s average price is $3.35.
For more information on Florida gas prices, click here.
How to save money on gas
AAA released these tips for combating higher gas prices:
- Pay in cash. Some gasoline retailers charge a few cents per gallon more for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Shop around. Oftentimes retailers with the most expensive gas prices are located near airports, attractions and interstate on/off ramps.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Not only can poor vehicle maintenance lead to car trouble, it also reduces fuel economy. Tire pressure, motor oil and air filters are all things that can affect your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
- Consider carpooling, combining errands, or driving the most fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Remove excess weight. The heavier your vehicle, the harder your engine has to work.
- Drive conservatively. Speeding and heavy acceleration burns gasoline faster.
- Enroll in savings programs.