HOLT, Fla., Jan. 2, 2017—Gas prices in the state increased as Floridians rang in the new year.

According to a news release by the American Automobile Association, today’s average gas price reached $2.34 per gallon for regular unleaded.

Pump prices rose 9 cents in Florida, the third highest increase nationwide, behind Pennsylvania and Missouri. Across the nation, prices only increased 5 cents.

The increase is partly due to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC countries’ deal late November 2016 to cut oil production by 1.8 million barrels a day in 2017.

Crestview routinely has some of the highest gas prices in the area, often 5 cents or more than Fort Walton Beach and as high as 10 cents more than the Pensacola area.

By comparison, Florida gas prices for regular unleaded averaged $2.17 a month ago and $2 a year ago, according to AAA.

AAA expects retail gas prices to continue to rise throughout the year, leading up to the summer vacation season.

Stephanie Holcombe