Fuel prices climbing in Arizona, nation

For the second week, fuel prices across the state and country continued to climb.

In Arizona, the statewide average increased 9.7 cents to $3.414 per gallon. Nationally, pump prices gained 4.8 cents to $3.71 per gallon.

Crude prices closed at $95 Thursday, the highest settle since mid-May. And, for the last month, pump prices nationwide have jumped.

This largely can be attributed to problems at domestic refineries – the most recent being last week’s fire at a California refinery that sent West Coast fuel prices soaring.

While some states have experienced up to a 40-cent increase, Arizona is one of only five that recorded a retail change of zero to 10 cents. Arizona briefly held the lowest price in the nation earlier this week.

“Despite gaining nearly a dime over last week, Arizona is currently in a better fuel price position compared to many parts of the country,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Though wholesale prices have begun to calm down, prices at the pump will likely remain tight until Labor Day is behind us, barring unforeseen circumstances.”

Tucson and Flagstaff hold the low and high state fuel averages at $3.297 and $3.587 per gallon, respectively. South Carolina and California holds the lowest and highest prices in the lower 48 states at $3.411 and $4.111 per gallon, respectively.

As an advocacy organization representing the motoring public, AAA offers a variety of free resources to help motorists keep fuel budgets in check, including:

Fuel Price Finder (AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area.

AAA Gas Price Alerts (AAA.com/gasalerts) offers users weekly fuel price text alerts.

Fuel Cost Calculator (FuelCostCalculator.AAA.com) helps budget travel expenses.

AAA Mobile (AAA.com/mobile) provides directions and plots fuel prices along your travel route. 

***ADVERTISEMENT***