Gas prices drop, but West Palm Beach still most expensive in Florida

Sonja Isger, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·3 min read

Gas prices across Florida have hit their lowest point since April, dropping 5 cents in the past week to $3.36 per gallon. But the full impact of that break hasn't reached the wallets of those gassing up in Palm Beach County, where prices at the pump for regular unleaded continue to be the highest in the state, averaging closer to $3.60 per gallon, according to the latest report from AAA.

Prices have been on a decline since the Sunshine State hit record highs in June last year when regular unleaded gas was $4.89 on average. The current national average, according to AAA, is $3.55 per gallon

But the reprieve that any drop represents as motorists head into summer vacation season may be shortlived, the organization warns.

"Pump prices have been under pressure during the past month, due to falling oil prices," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "However, oil prices could strengthen this week. Over the weekend, OPEC agreed on another round of oil production cuts. It's unclear how much of an effect this will have on fuel prices, but if oil prices rise significantly, drivers would likely see higher prices at the pump."

Why is the gas price higher in Palm Beach County?

Gasoline prices dip, but will that last?
Gasoline prices dip, but will that last?

Whether gas prices in the Sunshine State rise or fall, Palm Beach County typically has the highest in the state.

Experts at AAA Auto Club South and GasBuddy say there are numerous reasons for the dubious distinction.

“The biggest difference-maker in Palm Beach County prices is based on the cost of living and operating a business. If it costs more to keep the lights on, then you are likely to find higher costs for consumers as well,” Jenkins has told The Palm Beach Post previously.

Other factors at play include distance to the nearest gasoline terminal — Port Everglades in Broward County, the competition or lack thereof, locations in spots that have higher taxes, insurance or leasing costs.

Naples and Miami trailed that lead set in the West Palm Beach region with prices hitting $3.48 per gallon. Meanwhile, the least expensive gas in the state can be found in the Florida Panhandle: Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.20), Panama City ($3.29) and Pensacola ($3.30).

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OPEC's announced oil production cuts are just the latest in several rounds.

"Last year, OPEC agreed to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day. In April, the cartel surprised the market by cutting an additional 1.16 million barrel per day. This caused a brief jump in oil prices, which cooled through May. OPEC hopes this additional 1 million b/d cut will send oil prices higher again," according to Monday's report from AAA. "Overnight, the U.S. price of oil traded at above $72 per barrel. That's only about a dollar more than Friday's closing price, and within the same range that oil prices have been in during the past month."

How to save money at the gas pump:

To help provide some relief to their wallets, the organization advises drivers to:

  • combine errands to limit driving time;

  • shop around for the best gas prices in your community;

  • pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card;

  • remove excess weight inside your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2%;

  • and drive conservatively. Aggressive driving and speeding.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Gas price drops, but West Palm Beach still most expensive in Florida