In a surprising turn for many motorists across Florida, fuel prices at the pump have seen a significant spike, with an increase of over 30 cents per gallon recorded from Monday to Wednesday this week.

Local driver Ruth Torres expressed her surprise at the abrupt change, noting, “I noticed the change.”

The sudden rise in prices can be attributed to recent geopolitical tensions affecting oil exports, according to Mark Jenkins, a spokesman for AAA. In a conversation with News 6, Jenkins explained, “Oil prices have increased as a result of that, rising about 7 dollars per barrel in just the past couple of days alone. That’s the equivalent of about a 20‑cent increase at the pump.”

Jenkins further elaborated on the situation, stating, “AAA does not predict gas prices, and it is still too early to know how much of an impact rising oil prices will ultimately have at the pump. However, higher crude oil costs typically lead to higher gas prices, so we’ll be watching the market closely over the coming days.”

In addition to these international factors, seasonal trends are also playing a role in the current price hike. As spring break approaches, an uptick in travel demand is expected, coinciding with refineries transitioning to producing summer-blend gasoline, a change known to elevate costs.

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“It’s a special kind of blend of gasoline that enables vehicles to burn that fuel more efficiently during the hotter summer months,” Jenkins explained.

Drivers responded by topping off tanks ahead of higher prices.

“Well, I filled up my tank to make sure that I get it before it increases again,” Torres said.