Gas Prices Drop as Fall Approaches

Gasoline prices dropped in Florida during the past week, with the approach of autumn and a transition to cheaper winter-blend gas. The AAA auto club said Florida motorists Monday paid an average of $2.98 a gallon for regular unleaded gas, down a dime from a week earlier.

“As we transition into fall, lower fuel demand and the switch to winter-blend gasoline can help ease prices,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a prepared statement.

The winter blend is cheaper but slightly less energy-efficient than the summer blend of gas. But it has been shown to help with engine ignition during colder temperatures. The national average price Monday was $3.18 a gallon, down 2 cents from a week earlier.