Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 8, 2009. Across the state, pump prices are following the trend of falling temperatures as the price of a gallon of gasoline recedes for the fourth straight week. Statewide, the current fuel average is $2.447 per gallon, a drop of 4.2 cents from last week. Today’s nationwide average remains nearly unchanged from last week with an average of $2.468 per gallon.

This week, the price of crude oil traded in the high $60 per barrel range and has remained in the $65 to $75 price range for ten consecutive weeks. The stability of market oil prices has meant retail gasoline prices have been comparatively calm over the past two and a half months as well.

“Through the bulk of the hurricane season and amidst geopolitical events and ongoing international economic upheaval, oil prices have consistently stayed within a $10 range for 10 weeks in a row,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “Considering market prices began the year in the low $30 range after a free fall from highs near $150 per barrel in 2008, the relative stability of prices is noteworthy.”

“This relative stability in the commodity’s price, coupled with healthy supplies and retail margins, weak seasonal demand and the impending switch to our winter blend of fuel next week point to a continued downward price trend at the pump,” added Gorman.

In Arizona, Tucson drivers continue to pay the least for fuel in the state with an average of $2.225 per gallon, while Flagstaff motorists continue to pay the most to fill their tanks with an average fuel price of $2.674 per gallon. Nationwide, Missouri motorists continue to pay the nation’s lowest fuel price with an average of $2.205 per gallon, while California motorists continue to pay the most for fuel in the lower 48 states with an average of $3.054 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.