Why Are Gas Prices So High In Arizona?

ARIZONA — Gas prices in Arizona and across the nation hit an 8-year high this week.

A gallon of gas in the U.S. now costs, on average, $3.44. That's the most expensive a gallon of gas has been since 2014, according to travel organization AAA. That's also 14 cents more expensive than last month and 98 cents more expensive than last year.

As of Tuesday, Arizona saw a week-to-week jump of 9 cents in the average price of a gallon of gas. An average gallon of gas in Arizona is now $3.65. A year ago, a gallon of gas in Arizona cost more than a dollar less, at $2.44.

Right now in the city of Phoenix, the average gallon of gas costs $3.68. In Tempe and Scottsdale the average gallon is at $3.75 and in Pima County a the average gallon of gas costs $3.45.

A combination of severe winter weather across the U.S. and concern over Russia increasing the cost of its crude oil, or withholding its crude altogether, is driving prices at the pump ever higher, AAA officials said.

"This shows how events on the other side of the globe can have a noticeable impact right here in the U.S," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. "And unfortunately for drivers, they are reminded of this by higher prices at the pump."

Here are the states that saw the largest week-to-week increase in per gallon prices.

1. Ohio — Up 14 cents
2. New Mexico — Up 12 cents
3. Delaware — Up 11 cents
4. Indiana — Up 11 cents
5. South Carolina — Up 11 cents
6. North Carolina — Up 10 cents
7. Maryland — Up 10 cents
8. West Virginia — Up 10 cents
9. Texas — Up 9 cents
10. Louisiana — Up 9 cents
11. Arizona — Up 9 cents

Gas prices in Arizona were at their highest in 2008, when the average gallon cost $4.09, AAA said.

For more information on average gas prices across the U.S., visit the AAA website.