Average gas prices in Florida are rising again. According to WWSB, the statewide average reached $4.14 per gallon, putting Florida over the $4 mark for the first time since June 1.
Here's what to know
Because crude oil makes up more than half of the price of gasoline, a sharp rise in oil is being reflected at the pump.
Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA - The Auto Club Group, said that increased tensions in the Middle East helped drive that move. U.S. crude prices rose by nearly 20%, climbing from $83 per barrel to more than $100 per barrel.
Florida's regular weekly pricing pattern is also playing a role, as gas prices often rise early in the week before easing later. Before crude moved above $100 per barrel, those cycle-related peaks usually topped out around $3.99 per gallon. AAA says the statewide average could rise to $4.19 if oil remains elevated.
Prices are not rising uniformly across the state. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton had the highest average at $4.30. Panama City and Pensacola were among the cheaper areas at $3.97.
While solar panels will not change gas prices, lowering other monthly bills can give households more room when fuel costs spike. For homeowners, going solar is one of the best ways to save on home energy costs, and EnergySage can help users get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
More background
A customer at a Sarasota gas station said higher fuel prices are affecting how people think about routine travel and day-to-day activities.
"It's a struggle for, I'd probably say, 90-95% of most people," he told WSBB. "Gas is one thing when I was growing up you really didn't have to worry about. You just did it. And now it literally takes up part of your day. … Sometimes you even question whether or not you want to go out of the house just because of the cost of everything."
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What can be done?
Drivers may have limited control over swings in the oil market, but they can still compare nearby prices, combine errands into fewer trips, and track average costs through GasPrices.AAA.com.
For homeowners looking to cut other energy expenses, EnergySage's free services can be a valuable tool. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives in each state, helping readers find the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
While there unfortunately isn't any legislation for balcony solar in Florida (for now), they could make solar more accessible to people in other states. And if having any of your own solar panels is completely out of the question, there may also be a community solar program near you.
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Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. You can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Where can I learn more?
Policy decisions and dependence on dirty energy sources like oil can affect what people end up paying.
• In Poland, households turned to heat pumps and solar as dirty fuel costs surged.
• In Massachusetts, utilities poured $100 million into new gas lines after communities went fossil fuel free.
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