Gas prices up 25 cents since May 1

The price of crude oil may have fallen 4 percent last week, but the drop is not being reflected at the pump. In fact, since May 1, gas prices in Florida have climbed by a quarter, according to AAA Auto Club South.

???The perception that economic recovery is pending is also helping to keep both oil and gasoline prices moving higher for the short term,??? said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations for AAA Auto Club South.

The price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Florida is up to $2.33, slightly higher than the national average of $2.30. Just last month, it was $2.10 a gallon in Florida. But, a year ago at this time, gas was selling for $3.81 a gallon.

Content Continues Below

In South Florida, Palm Beach had the highest prices at the pump, with a gallon of regular going for nearly $2.41, up from $2.29 a week ago.

Miami-Dade County came in second, at $2.39, up from $2.28 a week ago.

Gas is cheapest in Fort Lauderdale, where the average price is $2.35, up from $2.24 last week.

And, prices may rise again as the summer travel season heats up. Also, later this month, OPEC is to meet and its members could announce another reduction, which would result in a tightened supply.