Land O' Lakes Area Gas Prices Rise

As the price at the pump continues to rise, Land O' Lakes Patch wants to hear from you about how you’re handling the bite out of your budget.

According to The Tampa Tribune, the price of gasoline has climbed about 25 cents in the last 30 days in the Tampa Bay area. It’s gone up about 6 cents in the last week alone.

The reasons are many and complicated, The Tribune reports:

• The winter storms in the northeast
• Changes in the world’s economic climate that are raising both optimism and oil prices
• American refineries switching gears to prepare summer blends

Whatever the cause, one thing is clear: Prices are up and they’re likely to remain so through late April, according to AAA Auto Club South’s Jessica Brady. Prices, she told The Tribune, tend to start falling when the summer months are near.

As of today, Feb. 12, the cheapest price on a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.56 in the Land O' Lakes area. That price comes from the BP store, according to the Land O' Lakes Patch Commute page.

If you want to keep up with who has the cheapest gas in the area, be sure to check the Commute page before heading out to fill up.

How is your family’s budget holding up against the rise in gas prices? Are you having to cut corners elsewhere? Do you have great tips for stretching your dollars? Share your experiences in the comments section.