As FL Gas Prices Hit Record High Emergency Gas Rule Enacted

FLORIDA — As the average price for a gallon of gas set another record high in Florida Thursday, an emergency rule to increase gas supply and help decrease prices has been issued by Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried.

The new record is $4.38 per gallon — 1 cent above the previous state high set on March 11, according to AAA.

Fried made the announcement Wednesday at a Tampa news conference that the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent denatured anhydrous ethanol, also known as E15, will continue outside its traditional winter use. The rule aims to increase the supply of gasoline products after crude oil supplies were disrupted by the Russian War in Ukraine, a news release said.

"After the Biden Administration and EPA issued its emergency waiver on fuel standards, we took immediate action to provide Floridians with additional relief from high gas prices,” Fried said. “With many already struggling with the increased cost of living due to the inaction of Tallahassee Republicans on issues impacting hardworking Floridians, Putin’s unprovoked war has resulted in additional financial strains for Florida families at the pump. As the state agency regulating fuel quality in Florida, we remain committed to working with our federal partners to keep our fuel supply strong and to help those struggling during these difficult times.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver May 1 allowing E15 salesto be extended, WFLA reported. Fried’s office filed for the emergency rule on May 9. The rule will remain in effect for 90 days or until the EPA’s waiver expires.

On Wednesday, cities such as St. Petersburg and Tampa were already experiencing gas prices above the state average. A Patch reporter noticed gas prices at $4.49 for regular unleaded at a 7-Eleven on the corner of 16th street North and 30th Avenue North as well as the same price at a Shell Station on 22nd Avenue North and Fourth Street North Wednesday.

Thursday's Florida state gas price average is $4.38 per gallon, according to AAA, beating the prior state record on March 11 at $4.37. Wednesday's state average gas price was $4.32; a week ago $4.17; a month ago $4.05 and a year ago $2.88.