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
