As gas prices level out, here’s what motorists can expect to pay for rest of 2017
Gas prices across the Bradenton-Sarasota region dropped for the 46th consecutive day on Monday, though analysts predict costs should soon level out.
The rate at which prices were declining in the two-county region slowed last week, with costs falling 2 cents during the seven-day period.
Prices had been plummeting upwards of 10 cents per week once the market stabilized after hurricanes Harvey (supply) and Irma (demand) caused costs to reach three-year highs across Florida.
On Monday, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded in Bradenton-Sarasota was $2.34, according to AAA’s daily fuel tracker. That’s down from $2.69 in the days after Irma made landfall in Florida.
Moreover, motorists can expect costs to hover around the current price for the final two months of the year.
“The steak of falling prices should come to an end this week,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a news release. “While there could be some volatility, gas prices should follow a mostly downward trend through the rest of the year. However, the discount at the pump is not currently forecast to be much lower than present levels.”
Prices locally remain lower than the state ($2.40) and national ($2.47) averages; the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region ($2.26) has the least-expensive average across Florida.
Gas prices should follow a mostly downward trend through the rest of the year. However, the discount at the pump is not currently forecast to be much lower than present levels.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins
According to data collected by GasBuddy, which tracks fuel pricing, the average price on Monday at Manatee County stations was $2.32 per gallon, with Sarasota County outlets slightly higher at $2.35.
“As refineries continue autumn maintenance, we may continue to see gasoline inventories under pressure, with a mixed bag of increases and decreases in the weeks ahead until the conclusion of such maintenance,” said Patrick DeHaan, the head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
As usual, the most-expensive prices are in South Florida: Miami ($2.57), West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.55), and Fort Lauderdale ($2.50).
Mike Garbett: 941-745-7011; @MGarbett52
This story was originally published October 30, 2017 at 9:38 AM with the headline "As gas prices level out, here’s what motorists can expect to pay for rest of 2017."