Record gas prices: Here’s how much they jumped overnight in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Another day, another record high for Florida gas prices.

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A 7-cent spike sent the average cost for a gallon of gas to $4.71, AAA said Thursday.

In the course of two days, the price of regular unleaded fuel rose 14 cents a gallon.

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Compared to a year ago, drivers in The Sunshine State are paying $1.85 more per gallon.

The bottom line: If you plan to fill up your empty 15-gallon gas tank Thursday, expect to spend about $70.

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On Tuesday, AAA noted that the global fuel market was driving up the cost of gas, pointing to oil prices, which traded higher after the European Union announced a partial ban on Russian oil imports.

An economics professor from Florida Gulf Coast University said summer travel and the amount of people visiting is another factor contributing to the state’s gas prices trending upward.

“We’re seeing significant levels of travel during what is considered our off-season relative to what we’ve seen in the past,” said FGCU’s Tom Smythe, PH.D.

Smythe said if demand doesn’t slow down, Florida could see prices rise to $5 a gallon in the next month or so.

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