Gas prices see big jump up after winter storm slams Texas

When a butterfly flaps its wings, gasoline prices rise, as is the case in Florida and many states around the country affected by the chaotic winter storm that plagued Texas last week.

Florida gas prices spiked last week thanks to Texas’ Arctic weather, according to a news release by AAA - The Auto Club Group.

The storm’s effects remain present in Texas, which has 15,000 customers still without power, according to PowerOutage.US.

As one of the main arteries to Florida’s gas, Texas’ energy problems have a direct impact on the Sunshine state, AAA reported.

“So an interruption to the supply line there has a direct impact on prices here,” AAA said in a statement. “However, Florida is not alone. This region is a major source of gasoline in the United States, accounting for more than 45% of total U.S. petroleum refining capacity.”

Reports show that more than half of refinery capacity in the Gulf Coast region has been impacted by the storm.

As a result, Orlando prices of regular gasoline have driven up 15 cents higher than the previous week’s average, AAA records show. Florida as a whole now has an average price of $2.61 per gallon — the highest daily gas price average since July 2019, AAA reported.

“This pump price hike is similar to what you’d expect if a hurricane struck the Gulf Coast region,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “Just like the aftermath of a hurricane, workers are working to return to normal

operations. Any reports of extended downtime or significant supply impacts could cause another round of rising prices.”

The highest prices in Florida were observed in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton at $2.71, beating out Fort Lauderdale at $2.64 and Ocala at $2.63.

The national average is $2.63 while the average cost of gas in Orlando was $2.59.

The least impacted area was Panama City, which experienced a 12 cent increase and has prices at about $2.52.