Gas prices have skyrocketed since President Joe Biden took office, more than doubling the cost per gallon when former President Donald Trump was in office, and Floridans, all Americans, are feeling the pain at the pump.
On President Biden’s first day in office, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $2.39. Less than two years later, the average cost of a gallon surpassed $6.00.
Gasoline prices in Florida continued to decline last week, but motorists are expected to see an uptick this spring because of an anticipated increase in demand.
The AAA auto club reported that the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida was $3.22 on Monday, down 7 cents from a week earlier.
The lowest average prices were in the Panhandle and the Orlando area, while the highest averages were in South Florida. AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said prices have dipped because of a decrease in oil prices.
But that ended last week as the U.S. price of oil jumped 4 percent. "It’s very common to see gas prices rise this time of year," Jenkins said. "Gasoline demand in Florida often reaches its highest point of the year during March.
That’s because warming temperatures entice Floridians, winter residents, and spring breakers to all travel Florida roads.
"Biden's blame game is getting old," stated Sen. Rick Scott back in August 2022, "If he actually cared about the rising gas prices that are hurting American families he would do something about it."
In addition, this is the time of year when oil refineries conduct seasonal maintenance and begin producing summer gasoline, which is more expensive to produce than winter fuel." The national average price Monday was $3.41.
In April 2020, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $1.84 under President Trump.
Meanwhile, oil stocks have continued to show volatility, with some key oil producers having lost as much as 15%-25% of the value of their stock since Biden took office.
Publisher Javier Manjarres contributed to this News Service of Florida story.
