Bradenton-Sarasota surge in gas prices among biggest in state

The Bradenton-Sarasota region had one of the largest gas price increases of any market in the state last week, jumping nearly 10 cents per gallon in the days after demand reached record highs during Memorial Day weekend.

The average price for regular unleaded in the two-county area surged from $2.27 to $2.36, according to AAA’s daily fuel tracker.

The Tampa Bay area had the largest weekly increase (13 cents), followed closely by Orlando (12 cents). Bradenton-Sarasota, Jacksonville and Cape Coral-Fort Myers (9 cents) weren’t far behind.

“Florida gas prices were brought back in line with where they probably should have been selling, based on prices in the wholesale market,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a news release. “Fortunately, the retail side has leveled off and could even be on the way back down this week. Oil and wholesale prices weakened last week, which should allow gas prices to slip a few cents.”

According to Gasbuddy’s daily survey of more than 300 area outlets, prices in Manatee County were averaging $2.36 per gallon on Monday, with Sarasota County at $2.35. Nearby, Pinellas County stations were at $2.36, with Hillsborough County at $2.34.

“We’re seeing gas prices now roughly the same as a year ago in many places,” Gasbuddy.com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said.

The Florida average of $2.37 on Monday was slightly lower than the national average of $2.38.

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Bradenton-Sarasota surge in gas prices among biggest in state."