Arizona drivers are in for a pinch at the pump as gas prices are trekking upwards, thanks to a recent mishap at a BP refinery in Indiana and seasonal shifts. A two-week shutdown at the Whiting refinery, which suffered a power outage, is causing a supply squeeze that's been felt hardest in the Midwest, but the impact is rippling out to states like Arizona. AZFamily reports that in just one week, the Grand Canyon State saw a jump of 14 cents to an average of $3.36 per gallon.
For those yearning for respite, Andrew Gross of AAA suggested that relief might be on the horizon. "Once the refinery is back in operation again, further increases at the pump should revert to slower and lower seasonal gains," he told AZFamily. Meanwhile, Scottsdale and Peoria top the charts with the costliest gas in Arizona, averaging above $3.50 per gallon. These stats contrast Wyoming's average, which sits at a more comfortable $2.81, the lowest in the nation.
Drivers shouldn't expect prices to plateau anytime soon. With temperatures inching up and driving frequency following suit, demand for gasoline spikes around this time every year. This has caused a nickel’s increase in Arizona's average price since early February, according to AZCentral. Julian Paredes of AAA remarked, "When we get closer to spring, gas prices will traditionally start going up just because as soon as we get more sun and warmer weather, demand for gas nationwide is going to start increasing."
With the price uptick seemingly inevitable, Arizonians are looking for ways to save. AAA recommends using apps like GasBuddy to scout the cheapest local fueling spots while embracing efficient driving habits to stretch each gallon. They also suggest taking advantage of rewards programs offered by grocery stores and maintaining your car regularly to maximize fuel economy.
Furthermore, geopolitical tension in places such as the Middle East and Ukraine are exerting pressure on oil prices, further inflating gas costs. Despite this, "there’s nothing really out of the ordinary happening right now even though we do expect to see gas prices going up,” Paredes told AZCentral. This statement is a small consolation to drivers bracing for the incremental rise in fuel expenses that accompany the onset of spring and the promise of road trips under the expansive Arizona skies.
