Gas prices to remain high until Irma is gone

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Florida may not see gas prices reduce until Hurricane Irma disappears.

Prices have spiked in the past week in response to Hurricane Harvey’s impact on the multiple refineries and caused oil companies to halt nearly a third of its production.

According to AAA, the result left drivers with the most expensive Labor Day weekend gas prices in three years.

"Gas prices are reaching a point where they should begin to plateau," said Mark Jenkins, a AAA spokesman, in a media release. "Wholesale prices are finally showing weakness, which will relieve upward pressure on the retail side.  Unfortunately, for motorists in the southeastern U.S., they may not see prices move lower until Hurricane Irma is long gone."

RELATED: After Harvey: Plenty of gas, but higher prices

Retailers have the right to choose what they charge for gas, however, that right is taken away now that Governor Rick Scott has issued a state of emergency for the Florida. Now, retailers cannot raise prices above anything they’ve charged in the past 30 days.

“If they do, retailers have to prove justifiable cause, based on market trends,” Jenkins said.

Price gouging violations can be reported to Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226 or online at http://myfloridalegal.com or mail documents to the following address:

Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol, PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050

With the chance of Tampa Bay falling into Hurricane Irma’s path, officials advise Floridians to be prepared, and that includes filling up their vehicle gas tanks.

RELATED:
- FOX 13 Storm Preparation Shopping List (PDF)
- Hurricane preparation tips
- Track Irma on MyFoxHurricane.com