In the Gainesville area, some of the cheapest prices are in Gainesville ($1.89) and Suwanee ($1.93).
Even with the recent gasoline price increases, leisure travelers and spring breakers are paying an average $1.24 less per gallon than they paid this time last year.
"Retail price increases are now following a consistent seasonal pattern that we see year after year; gasoline supplies tighten because of the conversion by oil refineries from the winter blend to summer blend fuel," said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South. "Refineries must undergo this process before they start up their summer (peak demand season) fuel production."
"In addition to crude oil and gasoline supply and demand, consumers should keep an eye on the value of the U.S. dollar. When the dollar weakens, investors look for a hedge against it; commodities and crude oil prices generally rise whenever the dollar is weak. Last year is a prime example of what a weak dollar can do to gasoline prices."
Crude oil closed Friday on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) at $52.38 per barrel.
CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Current Week Ago Month Ago Year Ago
National: $2.045 $1.953 $1.883 $3.282
Florida: $2.091 $1.999 $1.939 $3.335
Georgia: $1.936 $1.827 $1.756 $3.245
Tennessee: $1.938 $1.827 $1.736 $3.165
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/3/219082