Arizona gas prices surge $1.37 in a single month as Iran conflict roils oil markets

PHOENIX — Arizona drivers are paying $1.37 more per gallon of regular gasoline than they were a month ago as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to disrupt global oil supplies, AAA reported Thursday.

The statewide average hit $4.63 per gallon, up 20 cents from last week alone. The national average climbed to $3.98, a dollar higher than a month ago, and is poised to breach $4 for the first time since August 2022.

“The national average could reach $4 a gallon in the coming days,” AAA spokesman Julian Paredes said in a statement. “Gasoline demand remains on the rise as spring break season continues, another factor in surging pump prices.”

Arizona prices linked to Iran conflict

Phoenix metro drivers face the steepest prices in the state at $4.92 per gallon, while Yuma has the lowest at $4.21. Tucson and Flagstaff hover around $4.40.

The price spike comes as Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz enters its fourth week, sending crude oil tanker rates to their highest levels in more than two decades, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The strait is a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.

Demand for gasoline increased last week from 8.72 million barrels per day to 8.92 million, the EIA reported, while total domestic supply fell from 244 million barrels to 241.4 million.

How does Arizona compare to other states?

California claims the nation’s most expensive gasoline at $5.84 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $5.33 and Washington at $5.30. Arizona ranks sixth nationally.

Oklahoma has the cheapest gas in the country at $3.25 per gallon, followed by Kansas and Iowa.

AAA offers a few simple ways to conserve gas: drive slower and make your vehicle as light as possible.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related

Trump's changing course on Strait of Hormuz strategy raises questions about US war preparationThe Latest: Trump says US will 'obliterate' Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t open Strait of HormuzTrump fumes at NATO for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, and embraces going it aloneRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment pool