Soaring Gas Prices Expose Outlier Stations in Southwest Florida

Certain gas stations in the region are charging significantly higher prices than the surrounding area, highlighting the economic factors behind these price disparities.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:06am

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As gas prices in the U.S. continue to rise due to the ongoing war in Iran, two gas stations in Southwest Florida have notably higher prices than surrounding areas. An economics professor explains that limited options and urgent needs, like at airports or remote locations, lead to higher prices. Rental car customers often pay more for gas near airports to avoid higher penalty fees from the rental company. The article explores the economic factors behind these price outliers and invites readers to share their own 'pain at the pump' stories.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex economic forces that can lead to significant price disparities for gasoline, even within the same geographic region. It sheds light on how factors like limited competition, urgent consumer needs, and rental car company policies can all contribute to some gas stations charging substantially higher prices than their neighbors. Understanding these dynamics is important for consumers to make informed decisions about where to refuel.

The details

According to the article, a Mobil gas station in Fort Myers and a station in North Fort Myers were charging $4.99 and $4.89 per gallon of regular unleaded gas, respectively, on March 31, 2026. This was significantly higher than the national average of $4.02 per gallon at the time. The article also notes that the Mobil station at the Southwest Florida International Airport had a price of $4.39 per gallon, 16 cents more than the previous day. An economics professor explains that these price disparities are often driven by limited options and urgent consumer needs, such as at airports or remote locations where there may only be one or two stations available. Rental car customers are also cited as a factor, as they may be willing to pay higher prices near airports to avoid the penalty fees from rental companies for returning vehicles without a full tank.

  • On March 31, 2026, the national average retail price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas surpassed $4 for the first time in more than three years.
  • On March 30, 2026, many locations in Southwest Florida were starting to see gas prices go above $4 per gallon.
  • On March 31, 2026, the Mobil gas station at the Southwest Florida International Airport had a price of $4.39 per gallon, 16 cents more than the previous day.

The players

Victor Claar

An associate professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University who provided expert analysis on the economic factors behind the higher gas prices at certain stations.

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What they’re saying

“We see this to varying degrees when motorists have urgent needs and few options. For example, if you have ever stopped during a road trip at the only exit for 20 miles, and that exit has just two stations, you're going to pay a higher price than you would in a more populated area with lots of options.”

— Victor Claar, Associate Professor of Economics

“Airports see lots of rental car returns, and unless you return the car on "Full," you pay the rental car's penalty rate for gas − typically much higher than local market prices. So you might happily pay a slightly higher price near the airport if the alternative is much more costly.”

— Victor Claar, Associate Professor of Economics

What’s next

The article invites readers to share their own 'pain at the pump' stories by emailing the reporter, which could lead to further reporting on the impact of rising gas prices on consumers in the Southwest Florida region.

The takeaway

This story highlights how economic factors like limited competition, urgent consumer needs, and rental car company policies can lead to significant price disparities for gasoline, even within the same geographic area. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions about where to refuel and how to minimize the impact of rising gas prices on their budgets.