Phoenix, Nov. 1, 2012. It’s going to take more than a hurricane to affect Arizona’s fuel prices. Over the past week, prices in the state have continued to drop, falling 5.8 cents to $3.629 per gallon. Nationwide, prices have decreased 9.2 cents to $3.507 per gallon.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, oil refineries on the East Coast remain closed, although initial reports of damages are minimal. In advance of the storm, the temporary loss of refining capacity caused gasoline futures to rise sharply. However, demand destruction far outweighed this factor as tens of millions of motorists were forced to stay home as Hurricane Sandy approached.  

“Hurricane Sandy impacted an area that is a major consumer of gasoline rather than a major producer, and as a result, did not have a significant impact on fuel prices,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Conversely, the demand destruction caused by Sandy has the potential to pressure prices lower in regions such as the Gulf Coast, which could apply further downward pressure on Arizona fuel prices. Looking ahead, AAA expects that motorists will continue to experience price relief throughout November.”

Tucson and Flagstaff hold the low and high state fuel averages at $3.385 and $3.850 per gallon, respectively. Missouri and California hold the lowest and highest average prices for the lower 48 states at $3.149 and $4.075 per gallon, respectively.

As an advocacy organization representing the motoring public, AAA offers a variety of free resources to help motorists keep fuel budgets in check, including: 

• 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.
   
• AAA Mobile (AAA.com/mobile) provides directions and 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 about 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.