As 2013 nears and the fiscal cliff looms, the downward trend in gas prices for some parts of the country ended – except in Arizona. This week, the state’s average fuel price slid 5.2 cents to $3.058 per gallon, while the national average rose 4.2 cents to $3.261 per gallon.
“Until now, prices have fallen steadily across the country for more than three months because of increasing supply, lower demand and economic concerns,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “This week, the price of crude settled above $90, resulting in a price trend reversal in some parts of the country. So far, Arizona prices remain unaffected.”
With the New Year fast approaching, AAA would like to take the opportunity to recap the following Arizona fuel highlights of 2012:
Average price: Arizona’s 2012 average fuel price was $3.573. This is 19 cents more than Arizona’s 2011 average fuel price of $3.383 – and the highest annual fuel average on record for the state.
High price: Arizona’s highest fuel price this year was $3.902, which occurred March 28. This is nearly 14 cents more than the state’s 2011 high fuel price of $3.764. However, it is about 19 cents less than Arizona’s all-time high fuel price of $4.090, which occurred in July 2008.
Low price: Arizona’s lowest average fuel price for the year is today’s state average of $3.058. This is about 15 cents more than Arizona’s 2011 low fuel price of $2.905.
Increases versus decreases: Arizona motorists saw pump prices drop more often than they saw them climb in 2012. This year, the statewide average rose 23 weeks, and fell 28 weeks.
Over/under: The statewide average spent a mere 28 days at $3.25 or less (including Dec. 28-31 projected prices); 127 days from $3.26 to $3.50; 126 days of $3.51 to $3.75; and 85 days at $3.75 or more.
