Phoenix Drivers Face Steep Gas Price Hike: Here’s What’s Happening
Phoenix, AZ – Gas prices in the Phoenix metropolitan area have surged dramatically in the past month, leaving drivers facing significantly higher costs at the pump. The average price jumped 47 cents, from $3.25 per gallon on August 3 too $3.72 as of September 3, according to AAA data. This spike is notably higher than the statewide average, and experts are working to pinpoint the cause.While geopolitical events can suddenly and unexpectedly impact fuel prices, according to AAA, the current increase appears largely localized to the Phoenix area. the situation is impacting not just Phoenix, but surrounding cities like glendale, which saw a 46-cent increase in the same timeframe. In contrast, Tucson’s average price rose only 8 cents over the past month, settling at $3.13 per gallon on September 3.
AAA’s Fuel Prices database shows that metro Phoenix gas prices are typically higher than in other parts of Arizona due to transportation costs. Cities further from California and New Mexico refineries-the primary sources for Arizona’s gas supply-generally experience higher prices.
However, the reason for the magnitude of the recent increase concentrated in metro Phoenix remains unclear. Julian Paredes of AAA Arizona suggested to KJzz that seasonal refinery maintenance, which temporarily reduces gas supply, could be a contributing factor. “It might be due to seasonal refinery maintenance, which temporarily shuts down facilities and reduces the amount of gas available,” Paredes said.
