Fuel Prices Skyrocket on Iran Conflict

Florida gas prices are climbing rapidly in response to the conflict in Iran. The state average surged 57 cents per gallon last week, and Sunday’s average of $3.45 is the most expensive daily average since August 2024. Compared to recent benchmarks, Sunday’s state average is:

• 56 cents more than a week ago
• 59 cents more than a month ago
• 35 cents more than this time last year

"Prices at the pump moved up quickly early last week as oil prices rallied," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "With oil taking another large step higher on Friday, motorists should prepare for another round of increases in the days ahead as retailers and suppliers adjust to those higher costs."

What’s Driving Prices Higher?

Major Jump in Oil and Gasoline Futures

Crude oil prices soared 36 percent last week, marking the largest weekly increase in twenty years. Friday’s closing price hit $90.90 per barrel, nearly $24 higher than the previous week and the highest since September 2023. Gasoline futures rose sharply as well, climbing 67 cents per gallon.

These increases pushed gas prices higher early in the week and will likely continue influencing pump prices in the days ahead.

Why That Matters for Drivers

“Oil is the biggest input cost in gasoline, so when crude and gasoline futures climb, retail prices usually follow,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. "U.S. supplies remain steady, refineries are operating, and there is no indication of a shortage for drivers. The higher pump prices reflect increased fuel costs, not disruptions to U.S. availability."

Global Tensions and the Strait of Hormuz

Fuel markets are reacting strongly to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil. Traffic there has come to a stop due to safety concerns, limiting global supply and pushing oil even higher.

Over the weekend, this situation triggered another sharp round of price increases. In overnight trading Sunday into Monday, U.S. crude rose nearly $20, reaching about $110 per barrel as of press time. If oil holds near that level, Florida’s average could approach $4 per gallon again.

No Shortage in the U.S., but Prices Will React

Despite global uncertainties, U.S. fuel deliveries remain uninterrupted, and stations are being supplied as normal.
This week’s price increases are driven by rising crude and wholesale gasoline costs, not a lack of fuel. How much further prices rise will depend on how long shipping disruptions persist and where oil prices settle.

How High Could Prices Go? 

It’s too soon to say. Prices will depend on: 

• How long the conflict lasts
• When shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes
• How global supply and demand adjust

For perspective, during the 2022 Russia–Ukraine conflict, Florida’s average reached $4.87 per gallon when U.S. crude topped $120 per barrel.
Gasoline typically moves about 2.5 cents for every $1 change in crude oil, so with crude oil now near $110 per barrel, higher pump prices remain likely. 

Regional Prices

• Most expensive metro markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3.57), Naples ($3.53), Homosassa Springs ($3.52)
• Least expensive metro markets – Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3.05), Panama City ($3.09), Pensacola ($3.13)

Ways to get the most out of every tank

• Avoid rapid starts and hard braking to improve fuel efficiency.
• Maintain steady speeds and use cruise control when appropriate.
• Lighten your load by removing unnecessary cargo and roof racks.
• Check tire pressure monthly and keep tires inflated to the recommended level.
• Keep up with maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacement.
• Combine errands to limit cold starts and unnecessary trips.

Ways to save at the pump

• Shop around. Download the AAA mobile app to compare prices near you and find lower-cost stations in your area.
• Determine fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA's Gas Cost Calculator.
• Join savings programs. Drivers who enroll in the AAA Fuel Rewards program can save money on every fill up where applicable.
• Pay with cash or the lower-cost method if the station offers different prices by payment type.
• Use loyalty programs and coupons offered by grocery chains and retailers.
• Choose regular grade when your owner’s manual recommends it rather than premium.
• Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic where stop-and-go conditions waste fuel.
• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.

Find Florida Gas Prices

• Daily gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com
• State and metro averages can be found here

	Sunday	Saturday	Week Ago	Month Ago	One Year Ago
National	$3.450	$3.413	$2.984	$2.897	$3.095
Florida	$3.453	$3.428	$2.888	$2.855	$3.102
Georgia	$3.226	$3.217	$2.789	$2.666	$2.911
Click here to view current gasoline price averages

Gas Price Survey Methodology

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.