***NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data may be used on a daily basis by

news media Web sites, but should include attribution to AAA.***

Pump Prices Drop Five Cents From Last Week

Phoenix, Ariz., January 24, 2008 – For the second straight week, motorists are experiencing continued  relief at the pump as gasoline prices fall across the state and country. Currently, the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.920 per gallon, a drop of nearly a nickel over last week and the lowest level Arizona pump prices have been since early November. For the second week in a row, Yuma drivers are feeling the most relief at the pump with prices dropping just over six cents since last week. Tucson drivers continue to pay the state’s lowest fuel price at $2.844 per gallon, while Flagstaff drivers continue to pay the most for fuel at $3.057 per gallon. The national average is currently $3.006 per gallon, a drop of nearly four cents from last week.  

The continued weakening economy has resulted in  oil prices dropping  below $87 per barrel yesterday, the lowest price the finite resource has traded at since October. Overall, oil prices have dropped by approximately 12 percent since the beginning of the year.

“As long as crude prices continue to retreat, pump prices are likely to head in the same direction—at least for the next few weeks” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “One of the biggest factors applying downward pressure to oil prices are concerns over the United States economy. When signs of a slowing economy arise, we also typically see a slowing in demand for petroleum products, which ultimately results in lower crude prices.”

The cheapest gasoline in the continental U.S. is in Missouri, where unleaded regular is $2.778 per gallon. New Yorkers are paying the most for gasoline in the country at $3.280 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.  

**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.

Contact Us
Public Affairs Manager
Office: 602-650-2716
Fax: 602-776-0466

Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 602-650-2726
Fax: 602-776-0466

Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 602-650-2736
Fax: 602-776-0466
publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com