Gas prices continue to drop in Bradenton-Sarasota region. Here’s how long that will continue

As expected, gas prices continue to plummet in the Bradenton-Sarasota region, with Monday marking the 25th consecutive day of declines in the two-county area.

Still, prices remain inflated – about 35 cents more per gallon than this time a year ago – in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which created supply and demand issues around the state.

As the market continues to correct itself following back-to-back major storms, and with Hurricane Nate’s impact not expected to affect local prices, analysts are predicting more declines this week.

“Gas prices should decline another 5-10 cents this week,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said, noting costs are about 20-30 cents higher than they should be this time of year.

According to the AAA weekly report, prices in the Bradenton-Sarasota region were averaging $2.49 per gallon of regular unleaded on Monday, a decline of 10 cents from a week earlier.

The 10-cent weekly drop was among the biggest in the state, rivaling Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (11 cents), Orlando (10) and Gainesville (10).

The statewide average ($2.53) remains below the national average ($2.49), though it did drop 8 cents in the past week.

GasBuddy, which tracks gas prices in real time, reported the average on Monday in Manatee County was $2.48 per gallon, with Sarasota County slightly higher at $2.50. Nearby, Pinellas County stations were averaging $2.41, with Hillsborough County outlets at $2.44.

“Gasoline supply has continued to improve and as temperatures begin to feel more fall-like, demand for fuel will continue to decline,” GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said. “Prices have entered their fourth straight week of declining nationally, a trend unlikely to be interrupted by Hurricane Nate over this past weekend.”

The South Florida markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.66), Miami ($2.66) and Fort Lauderdale ($2.61) – remain the most-expensive in the state. Tampa Bay ($2.44), Orlando ($2.47) and Pensacola ($2.47) were the least-expensive, with Bradenton-Sarasota not too far behind.

This story was originally published October 9, 2017 at 9:46 AM with the headline "Gas prices continue to drop in Bradenton-Sarasota region. Here’s how long that will continue."