Skyrocketing Gas Prices Hit Record High In Florida, Nationwide
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - After days of dramatically increasing gas prices fueled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the national average for a gallon of gas is now the highest in United States history.
As of Tuesday, the average cost of regular gas in the U.S. is $4.17, according to AAA, up from $4.06 on Monday. Last week, the average cost was $3.60.
The previous national average high was $4.11, set in July 2008, according to AAA.
In Florida, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas was $4.15, up from $4.01 on Monday. This is a new record high price for the state, breaking the old record set back in July 2008.
As CBS 4's Ted Scouten was standing outside the Marathon gas station at 26th and Sheridan St in Hollywood he saw a 45 cent price increase, pushing gas from $3.99 a gallon to $4.44. The increases are leaving drivers stunned at the pump.
"It's horrible," said driver Stephen Burgess. "It's like half our paycheck going for gas."
Burgess and Caitlyn Heron use a gas app to find the cheapest gas and get cash back. But still, soaring prices have them worried.
"I think it's really terrible," Heron said. "I think I have to get more shifts at work just to cover for gas prices. If gas prices continue to increase i think i will have to stop driving and start riding a bike," she said.
David Holt is president of the Consumer Energy Alliance.
"We're in uncharted territory and likely to get worse before it gets better," he said.
He said now that the US is banning Russian oil imports, about half a million barrels a day, he believes it's time to ramp up U-S production.
"We have the ability to produce more here at home. We really urge the administration to get serious about our energy policy so that these prices don't go up even more," he said
CBS4 caught up with Mae Jackson in Davie. She said she's aggravated and worried, wondering if she'll have to cut back driving if prices continue to go up.
"I live in Kendall. I bowl up here and almost every other day I got to put gas in my car. I don't work, I'm retired," she said.
Jackson said filling up the tank has really gone up.
"It used to be between $35-$40 now I'm at $60," she said.
"Gas prices are being dragged higher by sky high oil prices, which are surging in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Sanctions and regulations against Russia has limited its ability to sell its oil on the global market, thus intensifying global supply concerns in what was already a very tight market due to the pandemic," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.
In the Miami metro area, the average cost for a gallon of regular was $4.16 on Tuesday, a new record. It was a jump of 15 cents compared to Monday ($4.01) and it was $3.53 a week ago. A year ago, the cost was $2.74 a gallon.
CLICK HERE for real time gas prices in your area.
In the Fort Lauderdale metro area, the average cost of regular was $4.19 a gallon, setting another new record high. It was a 15 cents increase compared to $4.04 on Monday and $3.55 a week ago. A year ago, the cost was, on average, $2.71 a gallon.
Fuel Savings Tips
- Maintain your vehicle to optimize fuel economy.
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
- Consider paying cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Remove excess weight in your vehicle.
- Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.
