AZ Gas Prices Already High, War In Ukraine Could Push Them Higher

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona already has some of the highest gas prices in the U.S. and war in Ukraine, along with increasing demand and a limited supply of gasoline could push them even higher, according to the American Automobile Association.
The price of crude oil rose to around $95 per barrel Monday after the price surged above $100, following Russia's attack on Ukraine on Thursday and then settled back at around $92, the association said. Sanctions will likely cause oil markets to respond by increasing the price of crude oil as the world's supply tightens.

As of Monday, Arizona had the 8th-highest gas prices among the 50 states, at an average of $3.82 per gallon. Across the nation, the average cost of a gallon of gas was at $3.61 on Monday, eight cents more than just one week ago. Prices in California were the highest in the nation, at $4.82 per gallon.
The average price for a gallon of gas in the city of Phoenix Monday was $3.85 and the average cost in Tucson was $3.72, association data showed.

Arizona also saw the 10th-largest increase in gas prices over the past week, at 10 cents. Michigan had the largest increase at 18 cents.

“Russia’s invasion and the responding escalating series of financial sanctions by the U.S. and its allies have given the global oil market the jitters,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson in a news release. “Like the U.S. stock market, the oil market responds poorly to volatility. It’s an explosive situation, and a grim reminder that events on the far side of the globe can have a ripple effect for American consumers.”

Oil supplies are already cut back after demand from nations trying to move on from pandemic-related economic struggles, the association said and the Russian invasion is likely to continue to contribute to increasing prices.
Here are gas prices in Patch's Arizona coverage areas, according to AAA.

East Valley

• Average gallon of gas: $3.92

Glendale

• Average gallon of gas: $3.90

Mesa

• Average gallon of gas: $3.88

Scottsdale

• Average gallon of gas: $3.91

West Valley

• Average gallon of gas: $3.93