Gas prices flat in Bradenton-Sarasota, but seasonal increase is on the way

Surging demand is driving the cost of gasoline up across much of the country, but prices in the Bradenton-Sarasota region did not move during the past week.

That could soon change, though.

“Motorists should expect more volatility at the pump in the coming months,” said Josh Carrasco, a spokesman for AAA.

According to the AAA fuel tracker, prices on Monday were averaging $2.26 per gallon in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, the same as a week earlier.

The state average was $2.30, up one cent from a week earlier, while the national average was $2.33, up from $2.28 seven days ago.

The Gasbuddy.com daily survey of more than 300 outlets in the two-county area had Manatee stations averaging $2.23 per gallon on Monday, the same as a week ago. Sarasota stations were at $2.27, also the same as a week earlier.

Just don’t expect prices to remain flat much longer.

“Motorists should expect to see a more sustained upward trend at the pump through Memorial Day, but thankfully the seasonal rise could still be less severe than what we’ve seen in prior years,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for Gasbuddy.com.

This story was originally published April 3, 2017 at 9:35 AM with the headline "Gas prices flat in Bradenton-Sarasota, but seasonal increase is on the way."