Gas prices in Arizona to be highest at pump in Thanksgiving history, expert says
Nov 17, 2021, 4:45 AM
(Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)
PHOENIX — Arizonans are set to pay record prices at the gas pump next week for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to an industry expert.
The statewide average was $3.60 as of Tuesday, about 10 cents higher than the previous turkey day record of $3.49 set in 2012, Patrick De Haan with Gas Buddy told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
He expects tolls at the pump to keep rising during a time of year in which drivers are accustomed to decreasing prices.
“It’s the time of year where motorists are used to seeing gas prices decline and it’s been anything but,” De Haan said. “Gas prices have surged over the past 8-10 weeks across the country…the state of gas prices isn’t a good one.”
Arizona is outpacing the national average, which is expected to be $3.35 a gallon on Thanksgiving day, according to GasBuddy.
Only 32% of Americans plan to travel during the holiday, down from 35% during COVID-stricken 2020 and 65% in 2019.
De Haan said lower travel numbers will be a direct result of surging gas prices.
“It’s going to be pricey, and I think it’s going to keep a lot of motorists close to home,” De Haan said.
Coal shortages in China and natural gas shortages in Europe are contributing to the higher prices, according to De Haan.
Gas prices in Phoenix have increased about 40 cents in the past month. De Haan expects them to to remain about $3 a gallon the rest of the year.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.
