Gas prices have soared in the past month, but so far local businesses say they are not raising prices for customers to offset the added costs.

Lee county gas prices went up 41 cents in the past month, while Collier saw a 35-cent increase, according to AAA data.

“Despite other states that are battling frigid temps, gasoline demand in Florida is often at its peak in March,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. “There’s an influx of winter residents and other visitors for spring break and MLB spring training.”

Because the increase in gasoline demand comes at a time when refiners are not putting as much out, the imbalance of supply and demand kicks in. 

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Another reason for the spike in gas prices is that refineries are now producing summer gasoline, which contains more additives — required by the EPA — to reduce smog levels in the hotter months, which in turn makes the fuel more expensive to produce.

As of Friday, the average per-gallon price for regular unleaded fuel in Fort Myers was $2.60 while Collier was $2.62, 

Although prices continue to rise, medical supply chain company Leesar/CSF, which is based in Fort Myers but does deliveries in the region up to Sarasota, says it is not yet worried.

“We continuously monitor trends in fuel prices, but see no reason for concern at this time,” said Kat Velez, spokesperson for Leesar/CSF.

Even though the price of fuel has been rising daily in Southwest Florida, Velez said Leesar/CSF is using a new GPS system that optimizes routes and has helped cut down on fuel costs.

Businesses that make multiple deliveries in a day, like food delivery companies and florists, are at risk of feeling the affects of higher gas prices.

Susie Sayger, owner of Heaven Scent Flowers and Tuxedos in Bonita Springs, said she isn’t too worried about the spike in gas prices.

“I pay attention to it but it’s not like I am in any kind of panic or raising my prices,” she said.

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Because most florists batch their deliveries to a specific location, Sayger said the higher gas prices don’t cut into the business’s profits too much. 

“It’s not really affecting us, but if we’re talking a five or six dollar increase … that’s a different story,” she said.

The flower shop has been around since the 1980s and Sayger is used to seeing gas prices fluctuate, but she doesn’t plan on raising her prices to offset the added costs anytime soon.

Gas prices are rising throughout the nation but that’s no surprise to Jenkins, who says they always go up this time of year.

“Gas prices always “spring” higher in the spring,” said Jenkins. “Drivers should prepare for more jumps at the pump in the coming months.”

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The national gas price is at $2.53 a gallon, which is up 24 cents from a month ago.

Last year, the state average shot up 42 cents between March 1 and the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

“While various unexpected global factors can drive gas prices higher in the future, AAA currently expects prices to remain lower than last year overall,” Jenkins said.

Has the spike in gas prices affected you? Tell us your story by reaching reporter Jennifer Beeson at Jennifer.beeson@naplesnews.com or 239-206-9154. Follow her on Instagram @ndnjbeeson.