While heading to the gas pumps, Arizonans may have noticed the total ringing higher than usual as gas prices throughout the Valley continue to soar.
Gas prices in Arizona, currently the second most expensive state in the nation, average $4.54 per gallon. According to AAA data. The state beat California’s gas prices, the highest in the nation, by just 50 cents.
Why are gas prices so high in Arizona?
The main reason behind these high gas prices is the current cost of petroleum, the main raw material for gasoline, hovering in the low $80s per barrel. According to an AAA press release.
AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said, “When oil prices rise above $80 a barrel, there will be a lot of pressure on what we pay.” “As long as oil costs remain at current levels, drivers will likely see higher prices for the foreseeable future.”
AAA also cites increasing demand for gasoline as the reason for the high gas prices.
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What is the average gas price in the US?
As of Friday morning, the national average gasoline price in the United States was $3.66 per gallon. Arizona prices are almost $1 more than that.
The west coast has the highest gas prices, especially in California at $4.90 per gallon. Arizona is followed closely by Washington at $4.46 per gallon. According to AAA data.
What is the average gas price in Arizona?
Arizona’s average gas price is $4.54 per gallon, a steady increase over recent weeks.
But this time last year, gas prices in the state averaged $4.57 a gallon, far higher than they were a few years ago. Average for 2021? $2.86.
Which county has the most expensive gas?
Maricopa County leads the state with the most expensive gas, averaging $4.83 per gallon. People living in Phoenix, Mesa, West Valley and East Valley can expect to pay that amount. The Scottsdale resident with the highest gas bill will pay a hefty $4.95 on average.
Once outside the metropolitan area, prices start to drop. Flagstaff averages $4.31 and Tucson averages him $4.46. The cheapest city to get gas within Maricopa County is Sierra Vista, averaging $3.95, followed closely by Yuma at $4.00.
As for the other counties, Pinal and Pima counties averaged $4.39 and $4.46, respectively, trailing Maricopa county’s sharply higher prices.
The cheapest place to get gas is Graham County, about 150 miles east of Metro Phoenix, where gas costs an average of $3.75.
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Contact breaking news reporter Ellie Willard ellie.willard@gannett.com or on twitter Shinshin.
