Gas prices approaching $3 in the Tampa Bay area

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Although oil prices increased last week, consumers will not likely see pump prices rise.

By RICHARD MULLINS | The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 10, 2011
Updated: October 10, 2011 - 11:28 AM

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TAMPA --

Gas prices in the Tampa Bay area continue to slip downward and are approaching $3 per gallon, a price not seen since December.

A gallon of regular unleaded now averages $3.26 per gallon in Bay area, compared to $3.30 last week and $3.54 a month ago. Statewide, regular unleaded now averages $3.35, down from $3.39 a week ago and $3.61 a month ago.

Crude prices actually rose a bit last week, and that may put limited upward pressure on gas prices in weeks to come, noted Jessica Brady, spokeswoman with AAA Auto Club South. That came after the U.S. Labor Department showed payrolls increased more than expected in September and oil supplies decreased more than expected.

"Although oil prices increased last week, consumers will not likely see pump prices rise, but instead remain relatively unchanged from last week's averages," Brady said. "The positive economic news released last week will likely serve as a Band-Aid to temporarily ease investor concerns about the economy."

rmullins@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7919 Twitter: @DailyDeadline