Iran war pushes Florida gas prices above $4 a gallon

Florida gasoline prices averaged $4.08 a gallon Oct. 19, up 40% from $2.90 a year earlier, as the war with Iran continues to drive up fuel and transportation costs. Diesel averaged $6.04 statewide, compared with $3.53 last October, according to AAA. Nationally, gasoline prices have climbed about 45% since the war began, while diesel has risen nearly 70%. Higher fuel costs are also pushing up airfares, shipping charges and production expenses, although retailers have absorbed some increases rather than passing them directly to consumers. In Southwest Florida on Oct. 19, Charlotte County had the lowest price per gallon at $4.06, followed by Lee County ($4.10) and Collier County ($4.21).