Arizona Pump Prices Lowest in the Country

Phoenix, Ariz., May 14, 2008 – While pump prices across the state and country continue to increase for the 13th straight week,  there is a silver lining for local motorists as Arizona’s current statewide average is the lowest in the nation. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.532 per gallon, an increase of six cents from last week. Tucson drivers continue to hold on to the state’s lowest fuel price at $3.457 per gallon, while Flagstaff drivers continue to pay the most to fill their tanks at $3.646 per gallon. Statewide, motorists are paying over 44 cents more for fuel than they were this time last year.  Nationwide, the current average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.758 per gallon, an increase of over 11 cents from last week.  

Crude oil continues to be the underlying factor in the rising cost of fuel, having doubled in the last 12 months. As the start of the summer driving season approaches with crude trading comfortably above $120 per barrel, demand will play a crucial role in determining pump prices over the coming weeks. Lackluster demand could help prices to level off, while the traditional surge in consumption could result in continued price increases.

 “There are a couple of reasons our statewide average is the lowest in the nation. First, Arizona stations are getting rid of any remaining winter fuel blend supplies, as we switch to our more expensive summer blends this week,” said Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “Secondly, demand for fuel in southern California is down for the first time in five years. As a result, refiners are scaling back production and are moving excess product to Arizona.”

The cheapest gasoline in the continental United States is in Arizona, where unleaded regular is $3.532 per gallon. Connecticut drivers continue to pay the most for fuel in the country at $3.977 per gallon.

Motorists can visit www.AAAAZ.com/news/fuelnews.htm for the latest fuel price information and gas saving tips and go to www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in their neighborhood or along their commute route.  They can also visit AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance. AAA members who use their AAA Visa credit card can get a rebate of up to five percent on gasoline purchases made at the pump. Members can also flash their AAA membership card to save at over 100 of the auto club’s Show Your Card & Save partners.  

 **The BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is the nationwide average price of E-85 adjusted to reflect the lower energy content as expressed in British Thermal Units - and hence miles per gallon - available in a gallon of E-85 as compared to the same volume of conventional gasoline. The BTU-adjusted price calculated by OPIS and AAA is not an actual retail average price paid by consumers. It is calculated and displayed as part of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report because according to the Energy Information Administration E-85 delivers approximately 25 percent fewer BTUs by volume than conventional gasoline. Because "flexible fuel" vehicles can operate on conventional fuel and E-85, the BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is essential to understanding the cost implications of each fuel choice for consumers.

AAA Arizona’s Weekly Fuel Gauge includes data from gasoline stations in every Arizona community. However, only major metropolitan areas are shown in the table above.  Local prices in some communities might be higher or lower than the averages shown here.

NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data may be used on a daily basis by news media Web sites, but should include attribution to AAA.