Gas Prices Continue Steady Climb Across Florida

Gas prices in Florida continue to increase at a slow but steady pace that is expected to continue into the summer.

A gallon of gas, on average, went from $3.79 to $3.82 in the past week across the Sunshine State, according to AAA.

The fact that oil prices are showing some stability is a positive, but retail gas prices are still on the rise, Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, stated in a release.

Although the rate of increase has slowed, gas prices continue to steadily inch up week after week. Pump prices are still expected to increase well into spring as we approach the summer driving season.

Floridas average is now a penny below the national mark.

AAA points to a number of factors for the market price of crude to have remained relatively steady the past couple of weeks:

-- Concerns of a supply disruption if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz eased last week after reports showed there is ample supply to make up for any Iranian losses

-- President Obama discussed the possibility of releasing oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve

-- The deadline is approaching for Iran to discuss negotiations regarding their nuclear efforts as sanctions against the country are tightening

-- Lagging economic growth in China, the worlds second largest oil-consuming country, as well as a strengthened U.S. dollar, have also kept oil prices stable during the past three weeks.