Gasoline prices in the Valley rose by two cents per gallon over the past week, settling at $4.44, according to data released by AAA Arizona on Friday. This increase marks the highest August average on record for national gasoline prices, despite a decline in overall demand.
Aldo Vazquez, a spokesperson for the AAA Mountain West Group, attributed the sustained high costs to crude oil prices. In a statement, Vazquez noted that while consumer demand has decreased, the cost of crude oil is keeping pump prices elevated compared to typical levels for this time of year.
Statewide, gas prices climbed by four cents during the same period, bringing the Arizona average to $4.40 per gallon. The national average also saw a three-cent increase, reaching $4.07 per gallon. These figures reflect a broader trend of rising fuel costs across the region.
The price data was captured in the context of ongoing fluctuations in the energy market. While specific local station prices may vary, the regional averages indicate a consistent upward trend in fuel expenses for drivers in the Valley and across Arizona.
