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Higher gas prices expected as Memorial Day nears

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By RICH SHOPES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 5, 2009

TAMPA - Get ready to pay more at the pump.

AAA is telling consumers to expect slightly higher gas prices this month heading into the long Memorial Day weekend and summer driving season.

Refineries are flushing out their systems in preparation for costlier summer blends and motorists are gearing up for travel.

Those two factors will boost prices, which in Florida average $2.09 a gallon for unleaded and in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area come in at $2.04 a gallon.

Jessica Brady, spokeswoman for AAA Auto Club South, said motorists also might notice price fluctuations driven by competition, taxes and other factors from one county or region to the next.

Prices could jump a nickel or slightly more between locations.

"Memorial Day is traditionally the start of summer," Brady said. "The kids are out of school and people are making their vacation plans, and it's usually not a holiday for flying. People are driving."

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

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