ARIZONA NEWS

Gas prices in Phoenix could notably drop by July, expert says

May 17, 2023, 8:17 AM | Updated: 8:18 am

(Allen J. Schaben/Getty Images)...

(Allen J. Schaben/Getty Images)

(Allen J. Schaben/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Prices at Phoenix gas pumps have been steadily high, but some relief could be coming in the coming weeks, according to a fuel industry expert.

“So long as there are not any new issues, we could conceivably see prices that could drop 50-75 cents a gallon by July 4,” GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Gaydos and Chad Show on Tuesday.

“Maybe more if the situation is much better than expected, maybe less if there’s a new issue that comes up.”

Gas prices in Phoenix on Wednesday were at an average of $5, up 20 cents from a month ago but about the same as last year’s average of $5.01, according to AAA.

De Haan said lower gas prices in the near future are dependent on getting oil refineries that supply the market back online as they’ve been down for partial maintenance.

The summer months also typically bring a spike in prices, as Phoenix is legally required to purchase cleaner burner gas when daytime temperatures rise due to air quality regulations. The result means a higher price for a gallon of gas in the area.

“It’s like one state asking for a very particular iPhone with different things in it. It can’t have this technology, it has to have this — that’s kind of what Arizona is doing in some of these areas,” De Haan said.

Arizona had the third-highest average gas price in the nation at $4.66 on Wednesday, coming behind Hawaii and California.

The state’s average was about $1 above the average national gas price of $3.52, but still fell behind last year’s average in Arizona of $4.81.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A border wall constructed of shipping containers and topped with concertina wire, built on federal ...

Brandon Gray

Shipping container border wall cases involving federal government and Arizona dismissed

Two cases between Arizona and Federal officials involving shipping containers at the U.S.-Mexico border were voluntarily dismissed, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.

8 hours ago

FILE - John Holman, of Denver, Colo., right, and others with the group "No Labels" take part in a r...

Associated Press

A third party signed up 15,000 voters in Arizona. Democrats worry that’s enough for a Biden spoiler

More than 15,000 people in Arizona have registered to join a new political party floating a possible bipartisan “unity ticket” against Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

9 hours ago

Maricopa County is seeking sanctions against Kari Lake and her attorneys over the Republican’s la...

Associated Press

At Kari Lake’s 3rd trial related to Arizona election, county makes case to protect ballot signatures

An election official and lobbyists were among the witnesses brought by Maricopa County attorneys on the first day of a trial Thursday in another lawsuit filed by Kari Lake, the defeated Republican in last year's Arizona governor's race, to deny her request to see signed ballot envelopes of 1.3 million early voters.

11 hours ago

AP Photo/Matt Rourke)...

Associated Press

President Joe Biden to deliver speech in Arizona next week, pay tribute to John McCain

President Joe Biden will travel to Arizona next week to deliver a democracy-focused address that will also pay tribute to the late John McCain.

12 hours ago

(Facebook Photo/Homeless ID Project)...

KTAR.com

Homeless ID project helps nearly 800 people in downtown Phoenix during first month

Nearly 800 state IDs were issued during the first month of the Homeless ID Project in downtown Phoenix.

12 hours ago

people standing at mather point...

SuElen Rivera

Grand Canyon National Park to stay open if federal government shuts down, Arizona Gov. Hobbs says

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said the state is prepared to keep Grand Canyon National Park open regardless of a government shutdown. 

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

...

Ignite Digital

How to unlock the power of digital marketing for Phoenix businesses

All businesses around the Valley hopes to maximize their ROI with current customers and secure a greater market share in the digital sphere.

...

re:vitalize

When most diets fail, re:vitalize makes a difference that shows

Staying healthy and losing weight are things many people in Arizona are conscious of, especially during the summer.

Gas prices in Phoenix could notably drop by July, expert says