Earlier in November, AAA released its Thanksgiving Travel Forecast, anticipating a 10% reduction in travel this Thanksgiving holiday week compared to last year. Today, nearly half of all states have gas price averages that are 50 to 75 cents cheaper than a year ago. with today’s average price per gallon of gas in Florida at $2.02, Osceola County is even lower at $1.97 per gallon. California is currently the only state in the nation showing an average price of over $3 per gallon, while New York’s average price per gallon is $2.20. Florida’s average is 7 cents less than a month ago, and 34 cents less than this time last year.

According to the report, 50.6 million Americans will take a road trip. More than 2.6 million of those would be Floridians. However, it’s possible that even fewer people will travel this Thanksgiving. Since the forecast was developed, new cases of COVID-19 have increased and the CDC has repeatedly urged Americans to stay home for the holiday.

“AAA urges those who decide to travel to do so safely,” Jenkins said. “Wear a mask, bring cleaning supplies, and do your research before leaving to understand if there are any travel restrictions or closures along your route or at your destination.”

Fuel prices increased last week after another round of COVID-19 vaccine news. News reports promoting the efficacy of these vaccines have spurred optimism within the fuel market that fuel demand will look much better than it did in 2020.

“Drivers are likely to find the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in 12 years,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas prices are inching higher, due to vaccine news, but reports of rising cases of coronavirus should prevent any significant gains at the pump.”

U.S. crude oil rose 5 percent last week, finishing above $42 a barrel for the first time since September 1. Wholesale gasoline prices rose a few pennies too, but settled at a level that would suggest a retail price of around $2.00 per gallon, across the state.