LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Travel experts say gas prices are trending down again after a brief increase in prices due to Hurricane Barry striking in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
They predict a drop of 5 to 15 cents per gallon in coming weeks.
AAA says the average price of gas in Florida as of Monday morning was $2.66. Thant's 10 cents less than the national average.
They say the brief 7-cent increase last week was a delayed response to Tropical Storm Barry, which caused a short-lived surge in crude and gasoline futures the week before. However, that upward pressure quickly evaporated early last week, upon learning that Barry did little to no damage to Gulf Coast refineries.
"After quickly rising last week, Florida gas prices are already on their way back down," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Prices at the pump are falling at an average rate of one penny per day. The state average could reach $2.55 per gallon in the next two weeks, unless futures prices quickly change course."
Punta Gorda remains among the lowest average gas prices in the state, currently at $2.62. Naples is among the highest, at $2.72.
More details on Florida gas prices HERE.
