Miami gas prices increase ahead of Thanksgiving

Florida gas prices set a new high in 2021 as the average gas price per gallon in Florida increased by 10 cents.

Last week gas prices increased to $3.36 a gallon, the highest daily average since September 2014. On Monday, Florida’s gas prices were $3.35 per gallon, six cents below the national average of $3.41.

In the Miami area, gas prices increased by 5.7 cents per gallon in the last week to an average price of $3.37 per gallon.

Over 53.4 million people are expected to travel this holiday, 13 percent more than in 2020.

“This Thanksgiving, travel will look a lot different than last year,” said Paula Twidale, American Automobile Association (AAA) senior vice president. “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.”

Florida drivers will see the most expensive Thanksgiving gas prices in eight years. A 15-gallon tank is expected to average $50, $13 more than Thanksgiving holiday drivers paid in 2019, according to the AAA.

“High gas prices are not something drivers will be thankful for this Thanksgiving,” said Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA. “The good news is gas prices should gradually decline through the holiday. Crude oil and gasoline futures dropped last week, and that should restore some downward pressure on prices at the pump.”

The price for crude oil dropped six percent last week, from $80.79 to $76.10 per barrel, the lowest since October 1.