Judging by recent lines at gas stations, Florida residents are concerned the war in Iran will mean higher prices at the pump.
And they’re right.
Gas prices are going up, with AAA showing a jump of almost 20 cents in Florida between March 2 and March 3.
And that’s even though the U.S. doesn’t import oil from Iran.
Iran said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is used by more than 3,000 ships every month.
“If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guard and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze,” said an official of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps on March 2.
President Trump posted on TruthSocial that, “if necessary, the U.S. Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The narrow band of water is a crucial Middle Eastern export route that carries 20% of global oil flows, resulting in a halt of petroleum shipments and a surge in oil prices.
As of early March 4, the price of a barrel of Brent crude, the global benchmark, hovered topped $83, up roughly 25% from the start of the war.
Here’s what you should know.
Where is the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It’s one of three major waterways used to transport natural gas and petroleum from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America.
➤ You may pay more for gas after Iran closes Strait of Hormuz oil route
The other two waterways are the Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.
Are gas prices going up in US?
Gas prices have been steadily going up since the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular on March 3 was $3.109.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy, posted on Facebook March 3 the increase in the national average price of gasoline was among the top 10 daily rises. March 2 marked the largest single-day jump in prices since March 4, 2022.
What’s average price of gas in Florida?
According to gasbuddy.com, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Florida early March 4 was $3.065.
AAA posted the average price in Florida on March 3 was $3.068.
The cheapest gas was in Pensacola, $2.888, and the most expensive was in Gainesville at $3.165, according to gasbuddy.
Are gas prices going up in Florida?
Yes.
According to AAA, gas prices are up sharply and steadily increasing.
Here’s a comparison of the average price of a gallon of regular:
Looking back to this time last year, prices — as of March 3 — are almost exactly the same in 2025: $3.060.
Will Florida gas prices keep going up?
The national average price of gas is “likely to move toward $3.10 to $3.15 (per gallon) within one to two weeks … and to $3.20 to $3.25 within two to three weeks,” De Haan said on March 1.
On March 2, DeHaan said he expected gas prices “at average stations” nationally to increase by 10 to 30 cents in the coming week.
President Trump: Oil prices may be high ‘for a little while’
President Donald Trump told reporters March 3 oil prices may be high “for a little while.”
As soon as the war ends, “these prices are going to drop, I believe even lower than before,” Trump said.
In a post on TruthSocial March 3, Trump said: “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD.”
How can you find the cheapest gas?
Whether you’re traveling or at home, gasbuddy.com offers information to find the cheapest prices for gasoline.
Enter your state, city or Zip code to find the top 10 gas stations and cheap fuel prices.
Contributing: Clayton Park, USA Today Network-Florida; USA Today
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why did gas prices go up in Florida? How war in Iran is making that happen
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
