Gas Prices Falling Again?

Prices Still 33 Cents Higher Than Last Year Despite Decreases

LABELLE, FL. -- Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen 3.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.27/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.29/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

In Hendry and Glades county, prices are still about 15 cents higher than average Florida prices, at $3.42. Lowest nearby prices are in Lee county, where prices are at least 10 cents lower than Hendry county.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 33.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 10.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 13.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 35.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Even as oil and gasoline futures rallied after strong Black Friday sales reports and a drop in unemployment, retail gasoline prices have mover lower," according to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "I have a suspicion that as we near 2012, we may see retail prices climb slightly higher again on upbeat holiday spending, which is indicative of a healthier economy. If we remember back to last year, positive holiday sales also led to higher gasoline prices as Christmas approached, which may play out again this year," DeHaan added.