Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 10, 2009. Across the state, pump prices have held steady following the final holiday weekend of the summer, which marks the end of the summer driving season. The current statewide fuel average is practically unchanged this week, increasing by 0.1 cents to $2.618 per gallon. Today’s nationwide average is $2.576 per gallon, a drop of two cents from last week.

This week, California motorists experienced price spikes at the pump as a result of reduced fuel production, which caused a squeeze on the state’s supplies. Slowed production can be particularly problematic in California, since the state’s fuel must adhere to strict environmental standards. In addition, California’s unique blend of gasoline has been trading at high prices on the wholesale and futures markets. The state’s fuel market remains extremely volatile, as retail prices have yet to catch up to wholesale gains.

“If the fuel situation in California would have occurred two years ago, it would have likely resulted in Arizona prices spiking along with California’s,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. “However, since the expansion of our eastern pipeline, we only receive about half of our fuel from the western pipeline and are thereby less reliant on supplies from that area. So long as the situation is remedied in the short-term, Arizona pump prices should remain fairly stable in the coming weeks, barring unforeseen circumstances.”

In Arizona, Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.425 per gallon, while Flagstaff motorists continue to pay the most to fill their tanks with an average fuel price of $2.795 per gallon. Nationwide, Missouri motorists continue to pay the nation’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.290 per gallon, while California motorists continue to pay the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.121 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.