2012 Pump Prices Start Off with a Bang
NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data should include attribution to AAA.
Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 5, 2012. Across the state and country, motorists are experiencing the highest pump prices ever to mark the beginning of a year. In Arizona, pump prices have jumped nearly eight cents from last week to $3.250 per gallon. The nationwide fuel price average increased 6.5 cents to $3.319 per gallon.
This week, concerns over U.S. and European Union (EU) economic sanctions against Iran pulled the price of crude oil above $100 per barrel. The country responded by conducting military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for the passage of approximately one-third of all global seaborne oil. This action prompted concerns over possible supply disruptions.
“Although there has not been a disruption to oil production or distribution, the possibility of a future impact to global supply has kept upward pressure on crude prices. Unfortunately, motorists are bearing the brunt of the resulting market volatility, a trend that is likely continue in the short-term,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona.
Tucson and Yuma hold the low and high state fuel averages at $3.108 and $3.415 per gallon, respectively. Utah and California hold the low and high price extremes for the lower 48 states at $2.947and $3.666 per gallon, respectively.
| City | Today’s Price | Change from Last Week | Premium | Diesel | Last Year’s Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Queen Creek) | $3.228 | +8.9 | $3.460 | $3.939 | $2.884 |
| Flagstaff | $3.354 | +2.7 | $3.614 | $3.967 | $3.012 |
| Glendale | $3.224 | +8.8 | $3.462 | $3.962 | $2.926 |
| Peoria | $3.182 | +8.5 | $3.415 | $3.953 | $2.893 |
| Phoenix (city) | $3.234 | +9.8 | $3.480 | $3.939 | $2.905 |
| Pima County | $3.128 | +7.0 | $3.322/td> | $3.949 | $2.779 |
| Prescott (Tri-Cities) | $3.287 | +6.4 | $3.499 | $3.904 | $2.841 |
| Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills) | $3.313 | +6.1 | $3.569 | $3.972 | $2.997 |
| Tucson | $3.108 | +6.8 | $3.306 | $3.949 | $2.770 |
| Yuma | $3.415 | +11.3 | $3.601 | $3.926 | $2.991 |
| Statewide | $3.250 | +7.7 | $3.463 | $3.948 | $2.911 |
| National | $3.319 | +6.5 | $3.587 | $3.827 | $3.077 |
| E-85 | $2.981 | +2.8 | - | - | $2.627 |
| *E85 MPG/BTU adjusted price | $3.923 | +3.7 | - | - | $3.456 |
AAA has a variety of resources to help motorists save on fuel:
- Fuel Price Finder (AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
- AAA Gas Price Alerts (AAA.com/gasalerts) offers users weekly fuel price text alerts.
- Fuel Cost Calculator (FuelCostCalculator.AAA.com) helps budget travel expenses.
- TripTik Mobile (AAA.com/mobile) plots fuel prices along your travel route.
- AAA's Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card (AAA.com/financial/AAAvisa.htm) accumulates double points on fuel purchases.
*The BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is the nationwide average price of E-85 adjusted to reflect the lower energy content as expressed in British Thermal Units. The BTU-adjusted price is calculated and displayed as part of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report because according to the Energy Information Administration, E-85 delivers approximately 25 percent fewer BTUs by volume than conventional gasoline. Because "flexible fuel" vehicles can operate on conventional fuel and E-85, the BTU-adjusted price of E-85 is essential to understanding the cost implications of each fuel choice for consumers.
AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report includes data from gasoline stations in every Arizona community. Local prices in some communities might be higher or lower than the averages shown here. This service is updated daily by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) with average national, state and local prices for gasoline, diesel and E-85. Every day more than 100,000 stations are surveyed in cooperation with Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability.