Pump Prices May Surge To $2 A Gallon This Week

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: March 16, 2009

» Comments | Post a Comment

TAMPA --

Local gasoline prices could reach $2 a gallon as refiners begin making summer grade fuels, AAA said in its weekly report.

In Florida, motorists are paying an average of $1.97 a gallon for regular unleaded, down from $1.98 a week ago. In the Tampa Bay area, retailers are charging $1.92 on average for the same grade of fuel.

"Although retail gasoline prices declined slightly this past week, they may increase this week due more to refinery operations than to crude prices," AAA spokesman Gregg Laskoski said. "March and April pressures on refineries usually push retail prices higher, and that could push us past the $2 level in many markets."

Nationally, pump prices are averaging $1.91 a gallon, down from $3.28 a year ago, according to AAA.

Oil closed Friday at $46.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after falling below $35 in December.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.