The global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to drive down gas prices this week.
According to AAA, the Auto Club Group, state gas prices averaged $1.89 a gallon Tuesday, down 7 cents over the week. Tampa Bay gas was $1.80 per gallon on average, also down 7 cents over the week.
Statewide, prices have fallen by about 50 cents over the past 40 days, AAA said.
“Historically, gas prices rise like a rocket and fall like a feather,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “In this case, retail prices are still slowly falling to catch up with the massive discounts in oil and gasoline values that we saw in the past six weeks.”
Should gas prices continue their downward tear and fall below $1.74 per gallon on average, it would be the lowest the state has seen since 2009, Jenkins said.
• • •
Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage
GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and Tampa Bay, six days a week
UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits
CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRAPBOOK: Help us tell the story of life under coronavirus
MEET THE HELPERS: Highlighting Tampa Bay’s everyday heroes in this crisis
FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Reddit.
LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters
HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips
We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.