National gas price average tops $4 for first time in almost 4 years, Arizona up to $4.68

PHOENIX — Gas prices have skyrocketed since the war in Iran began, and they’re now the highest they’ve been in years.

The price for a gallon of regular gas rose to $4.68 in Arizona last week, and the national average has risen above $4 for the first time since August 2022, according to AAA Mountain West Group.

The national average for a regular gallon of gas is up to $4.08, 10 cents higher than last week.

The price in Arizona is up $1.26 from last year.

“Crude oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel as the conflict in the Middle East continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed,” AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Julian Paredes said in a press release Thursday. “In 2022, gas prices remained elevated from March through August, peaking in June when the national average reached a record of $5 per gallon for one week.”

While the average gallon of regular gas in Arizona is $4.68, Phoenix is creeping close to the record reached in 2022.

Average gas prices in Arizona:

• Phoenix: $4.93
• Tucson: $4.49
• Flagstaff: $4.20
• Yuma: $4.38

Gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.92 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.68 million, based on new data from the Energy Information Administration. Total domestic supply decreased from 241.4 million barrels to 240.9 million, and gasoline production decreased to an average of 9.6 million b/d last week.

With gas prices as high as they are, little things can help people save. Here are five ways to save on gasoline, according to AAA.

1. Avoid speeding. Most cars’ fuel economy peaks at about 50 mph. Going faster can decrease your car’s fuel economy. Driving the speed limit can increase fuel economy by 7% to 14%.
2. Get regular gas unless your car requires premium. If you choose premium gas when your car does not require it, it will not improve fuel economy and will simply cost more money.
3. Remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle because the heavier the vehicle, the more gas it takes to move.
4. Avoid excessive idling. Car engines use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour when idling. If it is safe to do so, shut off your engine when you are stopped for more than one minute. Warm engines can take about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to start.
5. Check your tire pressure and alignment. Proper tire pressure helps reduce tire friction on the road, which results in lower gas usage. Additionally, proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by an average of 0.6%.

Arizona’s average of $4.68 per gallon is the sixth-most expensive in the United States, behind California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon and Nevada.

Related

Dizzying US fuel prices are determined by factors largely outside of a gas station's controlGas prices are high. But do the numbers support suspending state gas taxes?Stopgap measures aren't enough to halt rising gas prices as the world scrambles for more oilTrump uses Iran war address to urge an increasingly skeptical electorate to give him a bit more timeKimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefWarren Petersen claims victory in GOP primary for Arizona attorney general