Gas prices level despite Hurricane Irma

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Despite Hurricane Irma’s recent assault on Florida, gasoline prices have remained steady with the national average is $2.67 a gallon, three cents higher than last week.

Many Florida gas stations ran out of fuel in advance of the storm, and Florida ports remain closed.

“There is not a gasoline shortage in the U.S., but instead localized challenges — power outages, impassable roads, debris — in Florida keeping gasoline supplies from where they are needed most,” AAA Spokesperson Jeanette Casselano said. “Total U.S. gasoline stocks sit above the five-year average. Since much of Florida’s gasoline delivery occurs via barge, all eyes will remain on port conditions as the storm passes.”

Southeastern states experienced the largest price increase, and prices will remain high as the region recovers from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Nationally, all but four states saw a price increase. Florida had the largest price increase, seven cents, with prices averaging $2.72 a gallon.

The nation’s cheapest gas can be found in Oklahoma at $2.36 a gallon. Ohio saw the largest decline of six cents with prices averaging $2.48 a gallon.

On the Gulf Coast, five refineries are operating at reduced capacity since Hurricane Harvey, six refineries are in the process of restarting, and five remain closed.