Oil costs hovering around $80 a barrel have helped push the national average for a gallon of gas four cents higher since last week to $3.10. Meanwhile, prices are up in Gainesville, too, as well as statewide, according to AAA.
The price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Gainesville increased two cents in the past week to $2.95. The statewide average is up three pennies to $2.96.
“Domestic gasoline demand is low, so why are pump prices creeping higher? Look at the cost of oil,” says Andrew Gross, AAA spokesman. “Global oil prices have surged due to strong winter heating fuel demand and new U.S. sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. Oil costs account for 56% of what you pay at the pump. So, more expensive oil leads to more expensive gas. But that said, there are still 26 states with averages below $3 a gallon for now.”