Phoenix, July 19, 2012. While enjoying lower temperatures this week, Arizona drivers also enjoyed lower prices at the pump for the 15^th week in a row. The statewide average fell 3.2 cents from last week to $3.318 per gallon. Meanwhile, the national average continued its reversed course and increased 5.3 cents to $3.437 per gallon.  
 

Supply concerns due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and better than expected global economic news have pressured oil prices — and pump prices — higher over the last several weeks. This week the commodity breached $92 per barrel for the first time since May.
 

“Arizona has bucked the national trend again this week,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Though it’s hard to say how long this will last, current retail margins and healthy inventories indicate we may continue to enjoy lower prices in the short term, barring unforeseen circumstances.”

Tucson and Flagstaff hold the low and high state fuel averages at $3.220 and $3.536 per gallon, respectively. South Carolina and California hold the low and high price extremes for the lower 48 states at $3.104 and $3.744 per gallon, respectively.

Motorists can have a chance at fueling their gas budgets for free by entering the AAA Insurance gas sweepstakes. By requesting a no-obligation insurance quote, participants will be entered to win a year’s supply of gas. Each contestant will also be entered to win a $500 gas card. Get your auto insurance quote online, visit your nearest AAA office, or call toll-free 1-866-298-1232 by Sept. 15 for a chance to win.

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.