Gas prices in Arizona average $4.295 a gallon on a normal Monday, higher than the U.S. average, according to AAA. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)
Maria Reyes pumps gas at a station in Phoenix. Gasoline prices at 76 gas stations in downtown Phoenix were $4.89 for regular, $5.39 for premium, and $4.49 for diesel when paid by credit card. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Gasoline prices in Arizona have been steadily rising since last March, averaging 62.5 cents higher per regular gallon last month. According to AAAAnd prices are likely to continue to climb as drivers head into summer.
The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Arizona reached $4.29 on Monday. That’s lower than at the same time last year, but still 79 cents higher than this week’s national average of nearly $3.51, according to auto and travel companies.
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AAA spokesperson John Treanor said there were several reasons for the price increase in Arizona over the past few weeks. Fuel production is down as oil refineries perform maintenance and inspections. But the driver still asks for fuel.
“Arizona gets its gas from two different places,” says Treanor. “One is from California through a pipeline and the other is from Texas and New Mexico. Counties where we’re in the market are seeing prices go up,” Treanor said.
Some Arizona counties have higher gas prices than others. Maricopa County averages $4.61 per gallon, and Navajo County averages $3.74 per gallon, according to AAA’s gasoline price website.
gas price is upward trend all over the United States
Maria Reyes, a stay-at-home mom, is reassessing where her husband, an electrician, goes to help customers because things are so expensive. Reyes’ husband travels to Tucson and Prescott for work. But now I’m wondering if such a trip is “worth it”.
“I’ve been noticing it little by little, and it’s been creeping up on us. It’s high enough for me to notice.
Reyes hopes gas prices will drop soon.
But Treanor said the price forecast isn’t accurate, but prices are likely to rise further as drivers head into the “busy part of the summer driving season.”
