Hurricane Isaac is bringing wind and rain to much of the Gulf Coast, but is it bringing high gas prices too?
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The Associated Press is reporting Hurricane Isaac caused around 39 production platforms and eight oil drilling rigs in the gulf to be evacuated or shut down, but it is important to remember the United States gets its oil from more than just the Gulf of Mexico. We get it from other parts of the U.S. and other countries, so shutting down those rigs temporarily shouldn't have a big effect on the prices.
MORE: Isaac's storm surge tops levee near New Orleans
Yet, we have gotten several emails and calls from viewers about a noticeable jump in prices in the past few days.
Paul M. Mason, professor of economics from the University of North Florida, says whenever there is a hurricane on the horizon gas prices in the places that storm could affect will rise.
"If they (gas stations) raise their price because of increased demand, then that is normal flow in the market and it is not surprising they do that," says Professor Mason.
Mason aded it would take a sizable disruption in oil production to see a big effect on gas prices and this storm shouldn't do that.
The average price of gas for Jacksonville according to GasBuddy.com for this Wednesday is $3.73. On Tuesday, our crews saw prices ranging from $3.63 at a RaceTrac on Dunn Avenue to $3.99 at a BP on Prudential Drive.
If you are looking for low gas prices, check this section of our website: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/travel/traffic/gasprices.aspx
If you feel that you are being price gouged you can report that to the State Attorney General's Office by calling 1-866-9NO SCAM.
First Coast News