As many Orlando residents prep their cars for the Fourth of July travel, gas prices are proving to be a bigger boom to their budget than the planned fireworks. Gasoline prices in the Orlando area have surged, with a gallon costing an average of $3.37, as reported by ClickOrlando. That's a rise from last week's $3.34, a hike that may seem modest but certainly feels significant at the pump.
Across the Sunshine State, a similar trend was shown by data from AAA, which clocked the average at $3.46 per gallon on Tuesday. Before seeing an increment, the rate was resting at $3.36 on Monday, according to Spectrum News. With oil barrel prices stubbornly remaining above $80, Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy forewarned, "We could continue to see the national average climb slightly," as per ClickOrlando.
Florida's average gas price is just a nibble below the national mark of $3.50. The nation saw a modest one-cent increment from just the previous day. June of last year marked the highest national average recorded at $5.01 per gallon, casting a giant's shadow over the previous high of $4.08 set back in July 2008. With inflation considered, $4.11 from that summer in 2008 has the purchasing power of about $5.25 in today's economy.
Looking to the week ahead, more than just holiday travel affects these numbers. Experts have their eyes on the tempest named Hurricane Beryl, which could thrust toward the Yucatán Peninsula – and potentially Texas. Texas, home to essential refining infrastructure, if hit, could push prices further in response to any damage, a speculative concern that drivers will share with economists.
While average prices provide a snapshot of what's happening at the pump, there are regional variations to consider. Metros like Lihue in Hawaii and San Luis Obispo in California are feeling the squeeze with highs above $5.00. Contrastingly, Mississippi towns such as Jackson sit comfortably below $3.00, flaunting some of the nation's least expensive gas – a relief to locals and a point of envy for other Americans during this run-up to the celebratory weekend.
