LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Southwest Florida drivers headed to gas stations to refuel their rides are being greeted with higher prices as they ready themselves for the holiday travel season.
"Going up a little bit, getting higher and higher, you know how it is this time of year," said Matthew McSwain, after he filled up his sedan.
Drivers in the Fort Myers-Cape Coral area pay about $2.13 on average for regular gas, according to the American Automobile Association. That price is lower than both the state and national averages. The average price in Florida on Sunday was $2.18 a gallon and the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $2.17.
"They are what they are," said Dwight Bowen, after he topped off his car's tank.
Mike Wright not letting gas prices stop him from visiting Cape Coral from Jupiter this weekend. "We are running about $2.10 a gallon and that seems about right," said Wright, who was in town to see the Holiday Festival of Lights.
He says having a fuel efficient ride helps. "I get about 32 miles to the gallon when I'm out on the highway and when I'm around town about 25," said Wright.
Other drivers say fuel prices are a factor when they are figuring out their travel plans. "If you have the money to go, go. If you don't, don't go. Don't go in debt to go somewhere," said Bowen.
Some drivers don't mind paying a little more when they gas up if they get to see loved ones.
"I mean we went up for Thanksgiving, but if it was $5 a gallon we would've had to go anyway because living down here in Fort Myers you have to make the trip up to see the family whatever it costs," said Kevin Baker.
Analysts say that OPEC's recent announcement to reduce crude oil production have caused the recent spike in gas prices.
