Europe’s debt crisis continues to impact Florida pump prices

Gas prices have jumped nearly 20 cents a gallon across Florida as Europes debt crisis continues to be focused on Greece.

The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Florida stood at $3.63 as the week began, up from $3.45 a month earlier, according to AAA, which projects the increase to continue this week.

"As long as Europe battles their debt issues, we're going to see global oil demand diminish along with Europe's economic growth," Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, stated in a release.

"At some point, consumers should start to see retail gas prices stabilize, as historical trends have shown. It's very evident the rate of increase at the pump has slowed, but we're still paying more week after week and closed refineries are still taking the blame.

The increase comes as crude prices have grown 83 cents in the past week, with a barrel going for $98.67 at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Also, the International Energy Agency has cut its 2012 global oil demand forecast by 300,000 barrels a day from its January forecast.