Phoenix, Ariz., June 18, 2009.  Motorists are continuing to fill a pinch at the pump as the price of fuel rises for the 47th and 51st consecutive day state and nationwide, respectively. Arizona motorists are currently paying an average of $2.659 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, an increase of more than a dime from last week. Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.468 per gallon, while drivers in Flagstaff pay the most to fill their tanks at $2.756 per gallon. Today’s nationwide average is $2.685 per gallon, an increase of just over a nickel from last week.

This week, the price of crude oil maintained its position in the low $70 range while the government’s weekly report indicated a drop in commodity supplies, a slight increase in fuel consumption as well as an increase in refinery activity. Also impacting crude prices this week was  the aftermath of the Iranian elections. Continued unrest in Iran, the second largest oil producing nation in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has resulted in a higher commodity price, at least temporarily.    

“While the current unrest in Iran underscores market volatility, it is also important to note that the current run up in crude and subsequent fuel prices continues to be fueled by investor optimism, as opposed to actual market fundamentals,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “While Arizona pump prices remain $1.426 below year ago levels, prices have increased by more than 65 percent since January, despite healthy supplies and unimposing demand.”

“However, this rally can only last so long, considering that it continues to lack the support of supply and demand fundamentals,” added Gorman.

South Carolina continues to hold on to the nation’s lowest fuel price this week with an average of $2.503. California motorists are paying the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.025 per gallon.

Motorists can visit www.AAAAZ.com/news/fuelnews.htm for fuel price information and gas saving tips or go to www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in their neighborhood. They can also visit AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance.

*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 - and hence miles per gallon - available in a gallon of E-85 as compared to the same volume of conventional gasoline. The BTU-adjusted price calculated by OPIS and AAA is not an actual retail average price paid by consumers. It is calculated and displayed as part of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report because according to the Energy Information Administration E-85 delivers approximately 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 Arizona’s Weekly Fuel Gauge includes data from gasoline stations in every Arizona community. However, only major metropolitan areas are shown in the table above.  Local prices in some communities might be higher or lower than the averages shown here.

NOTE: AAA Fuel Gauge data may be used on a daily basis by news media Web sites, but should include attribution to AAA.