Gas prices decreased slightly in the Gainesville area and statewide since last week.

According to the weekly AAA gas report released Thursday, the average price per gallon of gas went from $3.63 last week to $3.59 in the Gainesville market. In Florida, the average price dropped nine cents from $3.60 to $3.51. But nationally, the cost jumped from $3.53 to $3.56.

“Renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East spiked oil prices recently,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in the press release. “And with the cost of oil accounting for roughly 60% of what we pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices.” 

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand rose from 8.72 to 9.23 million barrels per day (b/d) last week. Nationally, gasoline stocks decreased by 4.2 million barrels of crude oil (bbl) to 227.8 million bbl. The rising oil prices and increased demand are likely to push pump prices higher. 

Thursday’s national average of $3.56 is 21 cents more than last month’s $3.35. Last year, the price was at $3.50.

Florida is the 17th most expensive state in price per gallon at $3.51. Last month, gas was $3.32 per gallon and last year it was $3.46 statewide.  

In the Gainesville area, last month’s price was $3.38 per gallon, and last year it was $3.47.

According to gasbuddy.com, here are the lowest prices to fill up in Alachua County: 

• $3.39 at Love’s Travel Stop, 5615 SE US 301, Hawthorne
• $3.39 at Pilot, 17276 US 301, Waldo
• $3.41 at Murphy’s Express, 6323 NW 23^rd St., Gainesville
• $3.41 at Sunoco, 5310 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.43 at Circle K, 5708 NW 34^th St., Gainesville
• $3.4 at Wawa, 2305 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.45 at Circle K, 16070 Martin Luther King Blvd., Alachua
• $3.46 at Sam’s Club, 4001 SW 30^th Pl, Gainesville
• $3.46 at Circle K, 4565 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.46 at Circle K, 3838 N. Main St., Gainesville

Quick Stats

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest increases in their averages: Indiana (+19), Arizona (+19), California (+17), Ohio (+15), New Mexico (+15), Utah (+11), Alaska (+10), Kentucky (+10), Nevada, (+10), Idaho (+9).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($5.20), Hawaii ($4.69), Washington ($4.57), Nevada ($4.49), Oregon ($4.33), Alaska ($4.18), Arizona ($3.97), Illinois ($3.91), Utah ($3.87), and Idaho, ($3.75).