Pump Prices Tugged Higher as Spring Maintenance Begins
Phoenix, Ariz., March 4, 2010. Across the state, motorists have undoubtedly noticed higher prices at the pump as fuel prices increases for the second straight week. Statewide, motorists are currently paying $2.674 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, an increase of three cents from last week. Today’s nationwide average is $2.706 per gallon, an increase of a little more than a penny from last week.
As March begins, it is important to remember that this month marks the start of maintenance season for many refineries across the country. In a tighter market, the temporary loss of a few refineries would have a greater impact on prices than it will likely have this year, given the ample supply of gasoline available.
“This time of year, seasonal trends tend to exert their influence on retail prices. This typically results in a subtle, yet steady price climb as the spring driving season approaches,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. “While the past couple of years have been anything but typical with regards to retail gasoline prices, this is a trend that is likely to continue into March.”
In Arizona, Tucson drivers are paying the state’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.542, while Flagstaff motorists are paying the state’s highest fuel price with an average of $2.827 per gallon. Nationwide, motorists in Missouri are paying the nation’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.515 per gallon, while California motorists continue to pay the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.027 per gallon.
Motorists can visit www.AAAaz.com/news/fuelnews.htm for fuel price information and gas saving tips or go to www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in their neighborhood. They can also visit www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance.
City |
Today’s Price |
Change from last week |
Premium |
Diesel |
Last Year’s Price |
East Valley
(Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Queen Creek) |
$2.631 |
+3.6 |
$2.902 |
$2.846 |
$1.984 |
Flagstaff |
$2.827 |
+1.1 |
$3.117 |
$2.943 |
$2.155 |
Glendale |
$2.654 |
+2.1 |
$2.927 |
$2.895 |
$1.979 |
Peoria |
$2.625 |
+1.5 |
$2.896 |
$2.849 |
$1.973 |
Phoenix (city) |
$2.646 |
+2.3 |
$2.918 |
$2.882 |
$1.990 |
Pima County |
$2.563 |
+4.3 |
$2.827 |
$2.917 |
$1.894 |
Prescott
(Tri-Cities) |
$2.693 |
+5.3 |
$2.971 |
$2.859 |
$1.973 |
Scottsdale
(Scottsdale, Fountain Hills) |
$2.753 |
+4.5 |
$3.037 |
$3.011 |
$2.045 |
Tucson |
$2.542 |
+4.3 |
$2.804 |
$2.899 |
$1.882 |
Yuma |
$2.714 |
+3.5 |
$2.994 |
$2.745 |
$2.000 |
Statewide |
$2.674 |
+3.0 |
$2.949 |
$2.904 |
$2.015 |
National |
$2.706 |
+1.3 |
$2.976 |
$2.878 |
$1.933 |
E-85 |
$2.359 |
+2.9 |
- |
- |
$1.665 |
*E85 MPG/BTU adjusted price |
$3.104 |
+3.8 |
- |
- |
$2.192 |
*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.
NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data should include attribution to AAA.
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