AAA: Expect high gasoline prices to hang around into 2022

Karl Etters, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

Auto industry experts expect the high gas prices of 2021 to linger — but continue to fluctuate — as the extent and severity of the coronavirus pandemic remains uncertain, according to AAA-The Auto Club Group's first weekly briefing of 2022.

In 2021, prices at the pump reached seven-year highs, averaging $3.36 a gallon after starting out at about $2.19. High prices were mostly connected to a huge increase in crude oil prices, particularly domestic oil.

"Since it began, the pandemic has caused a rollercoaster ride for prices at the pump," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. "Gas prices plummeted in 2020 when lockdowns led to lower fuel demand, causing a glut in global fuel supplies.

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Auto industry experts expect the high gas prices of 2021 to linger but continue to fluctuate as the extent and severity of the coronavirus pandemic remains uncertain.
Auto industry experts expect the high gas prices of 2021 to linger but continue to fluctuate as the extent and severity of the coronavirus pandemic remains uncertain.

"As a result, many countries cut back on crude production, leaving the market vulnerable to what would happen next," he added. "In 2021, vaccinations rolled out and demand came roaring back much faster than oil production. As a result, fuel prices skyrocketed to levels not seen in seven years."

The average cost for a gallon of gas heading into the new year is $3.21, a decline of just 2 cents over the last two weeks.

"For now, it appears these higher gas prices will hang around well into 2022," Jenkins said.

"Motorists should expect continued volatility at the pump, as prices will likely ebb and flow, based on news about the pandemic and its implications on global supply and demand."

Regional prices

  • Most expensive metro markets: West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.42), Naples ($3.31), Fort Lauderdale ($3.27).

  • Least expensive metro markets: Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.08), Tallahassee ($3.09), Punta Gorda ($3.10).

  • Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com.

Yearly average price for Florida gasoline

  • 2021: $2.93

  • 2020: $2.11

  • 2019: $2.49

  • 2018: $2.65

  • 2017: $2.37

  • 2016: $2.12

  • 2015: $2.36

  • 2014: $3.34

  • 2013: $3.49

Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida's higher gas prices likely to stick around into new year, AAA says