Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2009. After experiencing stabilization last week, Arizona motorists are starting to enjoy a seasonal decline in pump prices as summer turns to fall. The current statewide fuel average is $2.604 per gallon, a drop of 1.4 cents from last week. Today’s nationwide average is $2.550 per gallon, a drop of 2.6 cents from last week.

This week, the price of crude oil fluctuated between the high $60 and low $70 per barrel range, reacting to news of healthy crude and fuel supplies as well as mixed economic news. These factors have continued to moderate market oil prices and have tempered fuel prices in the mid $2 per gallon range. Looking ahead, consumer demand fuel will play an important role in the direction of market prices, now that the summer driving season is over. 

“With the peak summer driving season over, the market is now entering what is traditionally a period of weak demand for gasoline,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. “Seasonally soft demand for fuel generally helps temper prices at the pump. Consequently, Arizona pump prices will likely decline in the short-term, barring unforeseen circumstances.”

In Arizona, Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.400 per gallon, while Flagstaff motorists continue to pay the most to fill their tanks with an average fuel price of $2.790 per gallon. Nationwide, Missouri motorists continue to pay the nation’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.259 per gallon, while California motorists continue to pay the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.163 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.