At $3.11, the national gas price average is at its highest in seven years and the trend looks to be continuing. Florida’s average gas price is currently at $3.00 per gallon, and in Osceola County, drivers are paying an average gas price of $2.99.
That average will likely increase, possibly as much as another nickel, in the lead up to Independence Day as AAA forecasts a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans will hit the road for a holiday getaway. This year’s Independence Day holiday weekend is defined as Thursday, July 1 – Monday, July 5.
While it is typical to see gas prices increase ahead of a holiday, especially during the peak summer driving season, pump price increases as of late have been noticeable.
“Today, 89% of U.S. gas stations are selling regular unleaded for $2.75 or more. That is a stark increase over last July 4 when only a quarter of stations were selling gas for more than $2.25,” said Jeanette McGee, AAA spokesperson. “Road trippers will pay the most to fill up for the holiday since 2014.”
Independence Day Holiday Weekend Gas Price Average – Last 7 Years
July 2 – 6, 2014 $3.66
July 1 – 5, 2015 $2.76
June 30 – July 4, 2016 $2.27
June 30 – July 4, 2017 $2.23
July 3 – 8, 2018 $2.86
July 3 – 7, 2019 $2.75
July 1 – 5, 2020 $2.17
June 28, 2021 $3.09
Crude oil, and in turn gas prices, are more expensive compared to years past mostly due to three major factors: confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout, global oil demand spikes, and the easing of travel restrictions leading to optimism for leisure travel.
