ORLANDO, Fla. – As with any hurricane or tropical storm moving through the Gulf of Mexico, many drivers are wondering how Helene will impact prices at the gas pump.
According to AAA, gas prices have been sliding recently, but the rapid intensification of Hurricane Helene appears to be having an effect.
“Hurricane Helene will likely impact gasoline demand, but not supply,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “The storm is missing the Gulf’s oil production and refining centers as it lumbers through the Southeast. But power outages, structural damage, and road flooding will hinder people from fueling up for a few days. So any impact on the national average will probably be fleeting.”
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Gas prices have been steady over the past week. On Thursday, AAA reported the national average for a regular gallon of gas was $3.22, 13 cents less than a month ago and 61 cents less than a year ago. In Florida, the average is $3.18 a gallon.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly half of the country’s petroleum refining capacity is located along the Gulf Coast.
Helene’s likely landfall in Florida’s Big Bend will mark the fourth hurricane to strike the U.S. Gulf Coast this season, along with Beryl, Debby, and Francine.
Meteorologist Jonathan Kegges provides the latest information about everything happening in the tropics.
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