Overview
- The state order, which took effect Friday, lets stations keep selling winter‑grade gasoline for 90 days and continue offering E15.
- The delay seeks to avoid the typical 10–30 cent jump tied to the costlier summer blend, which refineries make to cut hot‑weather evaporation.
- Pump prices remain near multi‑year highs, with the U.S. average at $4.39 and Florida at $4.28, and some Orlando‑area stations posting $4.39.
- AAA links the surge to the Iran conflict that pushed crude about $67 higher to above $100 a barrel, and the state cites strong demand and reduced U.S. refining capacity since 2020.
- Officials say the change likely prevents a new bump rather than lowering prices, and E15—typically 5 to 15 cents cheaper for 2001‑and‑newer cars—along with winter fuel can reduce mileage and raise vapor‑lock risk in heat.