The new year is starting on a bad note for Florida drivers -- higher gas prices.
- Average price per gallon in Florida was $2.40 on Sunday
- Cost was $1.99 on Jan. 2, 2016
- Link: Check gas prices around the country
AAA said Sunday that the average price of a gallon of gas in Florida was $2.40. One year ago at this time, the cost was $1.99.
Nationally, the Sunday per gallon average was $2.34.
The national average has moved higher for 34 of the past 35 days, largely due to market reactions to last fall's OPEC deal.
Compared to a week ago, prices have risen nine cents in Florida.
Gas prices nationally averaged $2.12 in 2016 – the lowest national annual average since 2004 ($1.84).
"Moving into 2017, retail prices will continue to hinge on the ability of cartel countries to successfully implement production cuts," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.
"Retail averages will begin to increase, leading up to the summer driving season, as seasonal refinery maintenance gets underway this spring," Jenkins said.