PHOENIX — Have you noticed a price increase at the pump? You're not alone.
Arizonans are trying to figure out why it costs so much to fill up your tank and how to find cheaper options.
The average cost of gas in Arizona as of April 10 is $4.10 for regular gas, according to AAA. That's up 53 cents from just one month ago. The price increase is likely because of the increase in oil prices per barrel, AAA said.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Los precios de la gasolina en Arizona son más altos que el promedio nacional. Esta es la razón
“Renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East spiked oil prices recently,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, said in a news release. “And with the cost of oil accounting for roughly 60% of what we pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices.”
Warmer weather may also have a part to play. Gas demand often increases around the time of spring break, March and April, until a peak in July.
Arizona also saw one of the largest week-to-week increases: Prices at the pump last week were 19 cents cheaper than this week, AAA said. Arizona is one of 10 states with the largest increases in their averages and one of the nation's top 10 most expensive markets for gas.
The states with the highest gas prices are:
- California, $5.38
- Hawaii, $4.72
- Washington, $4.65
- Nevada, $4.58
- Oregon, $4.42
- Alaska, $4.28
- Arizona, $4.10
- Illinois, $4.00
- Utah, $3.89
- Idaho, $3.85
The national average gas price as of April 10 is $3.61, which is 48 cents lower than Arizona's average. The states with lowest gas prices are:
- Colorado, $3.07
- Mississippi, $3.10
- Louisiana, $3.18
- Arkansas, $3.19
- Oklahoma, $3.21
- Texas, $3.22
- Alabama, $3.23
- Kansas, $3.26
- Tennessee, $3.29
Even with the increase in gas prices, Arizona is faring better in 2024 than in years past. One year ago today, the price of gas was $4.39 per gallon, and in June of 2022, Arizona recorded the highest-ever average price of $5.38.
Saving money with gas prices this high is difficult, but not impossible. Here are some tips from AAA on how to save fuel:
- Keep your tires properly inflated. While most people know underinflation hurts your car's fuel economy, what you might not know is tires that are low on air degrade handling and breaking, wear more rapidly, and most importantly here in AZ: can overheat and blow out.
- Driving the speed limit actually does impact your fuel economy. Aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
- In hot weather, park in the shade or use a sun screen for your windshield to keep your car cool. This reduces the need for air conditioning — and fuel — to cool down the car.
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