PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Florida gas prices are on the rise.

The state has reached a new high for this year at the average price of $3.64 a gallon.

It’s only been four months and Florida gas prices have set a new high for 2024.

Last year’s high was $3.85 a gallon, we are currently sitting at $3.64 a gallon.

“I mean we’re already coming close to last year’s price,” said AAA Spokesperson Mark Jenkins.

AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said the price for a barrel of crude oil is now $81, that’s down from last week’s price of $85.

“Gas prices are tied directly to the price of crude, and we’ve seen oil prices get pretty volatile the past few weeks. They’ve risen and they’ve taken a few steps back,” Jenkins said.

About half the price of gasoline is influenced by the cost of oil.

Jenkins said that oil prices tend to react to geopolitical tensions.

He said spring and early summer is a common time for the market to be volatile.

“OPEC and its allies just recently agreed to extend their oil production cuts. So less oil in the global market and then concerns of even less oil due to geopolitical tensions only causes oil prices to move higher,” Jenkins added.

The most expensive area for gas is in the West Palm Beach area at $3.77 a gallon.

The least expensive are Crestview and Fort Walton Beach at $3.29 a gallon.

Panama City isn’t far behind at $3.31 a gallon.

While the city of Panama City has the second lowest prices in the state of Florida. One resident is still not happy about these record highs.

“It’s getting harder to make ends meet with gas and all other prices going up,” said resident Bob Guyton.

Guyton travels for work and says he constantly has to search for the cheapest gas prices.

“I mean, less than $2 a few years back. And now I’m looking at $3.09 right here today,” Guyton said.

There are some ways to conserve while prices are high.

“If you’re looking to save gasoline, then you can conserve trips, maybe carpool. Take advantage of those different reward programs that can save you money each time you fill up your car,” Jenkins said.

Removing excess weight can also help save gas.

To view and compare the average gas price across the panhandle click here.