Gas prices fall in metro Phoenix, though Arizona remains among priciest states

PHOENIX — Gas prices in metro Phoenix have fallen 12 cents over the past two weeks, offering some relief to Arizona drivers even as the state remains among the most expensive in the nation for fuel, according to AAA.

“It’s not a lot, but considering that gas prices have gone up a tremendous amount for the last few weeks, any sort of relief definitely helps,” AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “That being said, Arizona gas prices are still relatively high compared to the rest of the country.”

A recent AAA report ranked Arizona as the seventh most expensive state for gas.

“There’s only a handful of states that are more expensive than Arizona right now, but we are seeing a little bit of relief,” Paredes said. “Gas prices have kind of gone up and down nationwide, so even though Arizona gas prices are still high, there’s really nothing going on that’s affecting Arizona more than the rest of the country.”

AAA reported these average gas prices around the state:

• Phoenix: $4.76
• Tucson: $4.42
• Flagstaff: $4.57
• Yuma: $4.54

“The statewide average is now about $4.61. The national average is $4.03, so Arizona is still among the most expensive states in the country for gas, even if we are seeing a little bit of relief,” Paredes said.

What impact is the Iran conflict having on Arizona gas prices?

Paredes said tensions involving Iran have contributed to higher gas prices, but they are only one part of the picture.

“Even before this conflict with Iran, spring is just a time when gas prices tend to go up anyway. There’s more people traveling … the summer blend of gasoline,” Paredes said. “This is a period of time when gas prices tend to go up, though we are far beyond the norm.”

He said long-term stability in the oil market would be the biggest help for Arizona drivers.

“The ups and downs with oil prices have definitely been the driving force for gas prices going up as much as they are,” Paredes said. “So, a little bit of stability will definitely be the best thing for gas prices.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Martha Maurer contributed to this report.

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