Gas Prices 51 Cents Higher Than Last Thanksgiving

Lower Prices This Week But Still Historically High

LABELLE, FL. -- Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen 4.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.35/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 5.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.36/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Hendry and Glades County, Florida prices remain about tens cents higher than Florida average prices.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 51.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 10.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 11.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 49.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Gasoline prices have continued their slow decline in the last week across a solid majority of the United States, with the national average sagging to its lowest level since this past February," according to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. 

"Many motorists may be giving thanks for the lower gasoline prices- until they realize that average prices will still easily exceed prior Thanksgiving Day records," he adds. DeHaan also shared recent results from a poll conducted of its members, showing the smallest growth in holiday driving distance since it began surveying users in 2009. The poll also showed a 2% rise in the number of North Americans that would not drive at all for the holiday gathering. 

"This certainly isn't a shock given the higher gasoline costs, but goes to show that few motorists reduce their holiday driving because of higher prices," DeHaan states.