Arizonans are feeling the pinch at the pump with gas prices soaring to an average of $4.12 per gallon across the state. The recent analysis points to a series of contributing factors including refinery maintenance in California and geopolitical tensions. Three California refineries are down for maintenance, causing a significant supply constraint directly impacting Arizona's prices, as reported by 12 News.
Moreover, increased seasonal tourism is adding to inflate demand, with many visitors taking to Arizona's roads during the agreeable spring weather. These factors, combined with deeper voluntary crude supply cuts by OPEC and allied oil producers, are aligning to unfortunately keep gas prices stubbornly high. AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes underscored the temporary nature of some of these influences, telling 12 News, "There are three refineries in California that have gone down for maintenance, so that will affect the entire region."
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, explains another price influencer as the mandatory switch to the seasonal "summer blend" of gasoline in Phoenix, designed decades ago for cleaner air in warmer times. "Prices could be volatile again this summer," De Haan cautioned, according to Arizona's Family, "If there are any refinery outages that are unexpected." Yet he remains hopeful that the feared $5 mark will not be reached.
In the face of escalating prices, simple car care practices can help achieve better fuel efficiency. AAA recommends regularly checking your tire pressure and keeping your vehicle service up-to-date. De Haan adds that driving behavior is a critical factor, stating to Arizona's Family, "If you’re flooring it from light to light, you’re probably going to have to spend the equivalent of $6 or $7 because you’re not as efficient." He also emphasized the use of cruise control and avoiding the use of AC while parked to help improve fuel efficiency.
