***NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data may be used on a daily basis by
news media Web sites, but should include attribution to AAA.***
Statewide Fuel Prices Back Away from $3 Mark
Phoenix, Ariz., January 17, 2008 – Motorists are experiencing slight relief at the pump this week as fuel prices dip across the state and country. Currently, the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.969 per gallon, a drop of two-and-a-half cents over last week. Yuma drivers felt the most relief at the pump with prices dropping nearly eight cents over last week. Tucson drivers continue to pay the state’s lowest fuel price at $2.891 per gallon, while Flagstaff drivers continue to pay the most for fuel at $3.114 per gallon. The national average is currently $3.044 per gallon, a drop of nearly six cents from last week.
This week’s relief at the pump can be attributed to three main factors. First, the Department of Energy reported the first increase in crude oil inventories in nine weeks. Second, crude prices moved further away from the $100 per barrel mark and are currently trading in the low $90 per barrel range. Finally, there has been a continued decline in fuel demand, as gasoline consumption is typically lowest during this time of year.
While motorists received a small amount of relief at the pump this week, Arizona’s statewide average is still over 66 cents higher than this time last year. However it is important to note that more than two-thirds of the country---34 states--are currently paying more for fuel than Arizonans. To further illustrate this, here’s how Arizona’s statewide average stacks up to the five of the most expensive fuel markets in the country:
Fuel Market |
Statewide Average |
Difference from Arizona’s
Statewide Average ($2.969) |
New York |
$3.305 |
+33.6 cents |
California |
$3.283 |
+31.4 cents |
Connecticut |
$3.265 |
+29.6 cents |
Alaska |
$3.238 |
+26.9 cents |
Maine |
$3.175 |
+20.6 cents |
“Gasoline prices have relented over the last week as the cost of crude continues to back away from the record $100 per barrel set two weeks ago,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “If this trend continues, it is likely that we will be seeing continued relief at the pump this month until refinery maintenance begins in February.”
The cheapest gasoline in the continental U.S. is in Missouri, where unleaded regular is $2.839 per gallon. New Yorkers are paying the most for gasoline in the country at $3.305 per gallon. Motorists can visit www.AAAAZ.com/news 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.
City |
Today’s Price |
Change from last week |
Premium |
Diesel |
Last Year’s Price |
Phoenix (city) |
$2.934 |
-2.6 |
$3.237 |
$3.375 |
$2.337 |
East Valley
(Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Apache, Queen Creek) |
$2.925 |
-2.5 |
$3.227 |
$3.371 |
$2.332 |
Glendale |
$2.935 |
-2.2 |
$3.238 |
$3.350 |
$2.330 |
Peoria |
$2.925 |
-3.0 |
$3.227 |
$3.357 |
$2.294 |
Scottsdale
(Scottsdale, Fountain Hills) |
$3.032 |
-2.0 |
$3.344 |
$3.411 |
$2.395 |
Tucson |
$2.891 |
-3.0 |
$3.189 |
$3.400 |
$2.192 |
Prescott
(Tri-Cities) |
$2.990 |
-3.1 |
$3.298 |
$3.415 |
$2.219 |
Pima County |
$2.905 |
-2.8 |
$3.204 |
$3.411 |
$2.205 |
Flagstaff |
$3.114 |
-0.2 |
$3.434 |
$3.463 |
$2.351 |
Yuma |
$2.951 |
-7.7 |
$3.255 |
$3.270 |
$2.306 |
Statewide |
$2.969 |
-2.5 |
$3.274 |
$3.391 |
$2.306 |
National |
$3.044 |
-5.6 |
$3.349 |
$3.421 |
$2.217 |
| E85 |
$2.478 |
-6.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
E85 MPG/BTU
Adjusted Price |
$3.260 |
-8.1 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
**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. |
