Arizona's average price of gas remains around
30 cents a gallon higher compared to a month ago, when refineries started producing a summer fuel blend that is more expensive, according to
AAA's Fuel Prices database. Arizona's average gas price is currently the seventh most expensive in the country. And yet, prices across Arizona vary widely by region and even from gas station to gas station. Higher prices are often found in areas with fewer gas stations, according to the
U.S. Energy Information Administration. Supply sources and other factors like rent can also influence differing costs. Finally, the more expensive clean-burning gas is only used in metro Phoenix.
What is the average cost of gas in Arizona?
The average cost of regular gas in Arizona is $3.40 per gallon as of Feb. 26, down slightly from the past week's average of $3.42.
Where is the cheapest gas in Arizona?
The farther that gas needs to be transported, the more expensive it tends to be. Yuma, for instance, is close to California, where Arizona sources most of its gas, according to a
map from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This contributes to its having the cheapest gas of any metro area in Arizona, with an average cost of $3.12 per gallon. The eastern counties, which are closer to refineries in New Mexico, also tend to have cheaper gas, like Graham County, which has an average price of $2.95, the lowest in the state. In metro Phoenix, the Phoenix-Mesa area claimed the title of cheapest average gas with a price of $3.59 per gallon. Scottsdale's gas, at $3.69, was the most expensive in metro Phoenix and in Arizona more broadly.
Why is gas so expensive?
Every year, Arizona switches to a summer gasoline blend that creates less pollution because it's designed to prevent gas from evaporating in the heat. It's also more expensive, costing around
10 to 15 cents more per gallon. Cost increased even more this year due to a fire at one of the California refineries where Arizona sources gas, the
Arizona Daily Sun reported.
How can I save money on gas?
With the amount of factors involved, it's hard to predict whether gas prices in the state will see a dip anytime soon.
Reach the reporter at . Follow @reia_reports on Instagram.
