Phoenix, Ariz., May 28, 2009.  Across the state and country, the price of fuel continues its upward climb following the first three-day weekend of the summer. Statewide, motorists are paying an average price of $2.302 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, an increase of more than 16 cents from last week. Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.189 per gallon, while drivers in Flagstaff continue to pay the most to fill their tanks at $2.437 per gallon. The nationwide average increased more than 11 pennies this week to $2.449 per gallon.

This week, the price of crude oil continued to inch higher, forcing pump prices to do the same. In fact, the commodity has settled north of the $60 per barrel mark for five straight days. Earlier today, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries met in Vienna where they announced that they would leave current production levels unchanged. However, crude prices continued to climb despite the cartel’s decision. In fact, the commodity hit a six-month high today of $65 per barrel, after a government issued report, which revealed a drop in U.S. oil supplies for the third consecutive week.

“While Arizona fuel prices remain 39 percent below year ago levels, prices have increased by 21 percent over the last month,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “This can largely be attributed to the upward swing in crude prices, coupled with the unofficial kickoff of the summer driving season. Looking ahead, we’re likely to continue to see fuel prices inch up in the short-term before settling in the mid-$2 range for the remainder of the summer.”

This week, Arizona motorists also relinquished the lowest fuel prices in the nation after a three-week run. The statewide average fell to the fourth lowest in the lower 48 states, while South Carolina captured the nation’s lowest fuel price at $2.271. California motorists are continuing to pay the most for fuel in the country with an average of $2.681 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 AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance.

*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.

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NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data may be used on a daily basis by news media Web sites, but should include attribution to AAA.