Gas prices skyrocket overnight on the MS Coast. How much will I pay in my county?

Mississippi Coast residents that went to fill up their gas tank this morning were greeted to a shock –– shockingly higher prices at the pump.

According to the AAA average gas price index, the average price for regular gas across the Coast went up 15.6 cents per gallon, an increase from $3.36 to $3.52.

Some gas stations in the Gulfport area were selling regular unleaded fuel for $3.59 per gallon on Friday.

Across the state, the average cost of a gallon of gas has increased 30 cents in a month, according to AAA data.

The increased gas price is part of a national trend of raising gas prices caused by various global economic factors.

As the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, people started to travel more, resulting in an increased demand contributing to higher prices.

Coinciding with the pent-up demand, oil prices started to rise as Russia prepared to invade Ukraine. As tensions rise, prices could rise even higher in the coming weeks.

In 2020, only 7% of U.S petroleum imports came from Russia. The global cartel OPEC that controls 40% of the worlds crude oil has resisted calls to increase production, which has resulted in a limited supply to meet the increased demand.

The continued struggle of the supply chain caused by the pandemic has also increased the cost of oil.

To alleviate costs, President Biden announced the release of 60 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserves.

Which Coast county has cheapest gas?

These maps, powered with data by AAA, show which counties in Mississippi have the cheapest and most expensive gas.

On the Coast, Jackson County has the cheapest fuel on average as of Friday at $3.49 per gallon. Hancock County has the highest price on gas at $3.54 per gallon.

This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 3:00 PM.