Fuel prices drop again, but they may rise at any time

Fuel prices drop again, but they may rise at any time (Alberta Times) The Arizona Automobile Association said that after several consecutive weeks of decline, the state's auto fuel prices may rise at any time...

Fuel prices drop again, but they may rise at any time (Alberta Times) The Arizona Automobile Association said that after several consecutive weeks of decline, the state's auto fuel prices may rise at any time. Last week, gas prices in the East Valley fell again. On Thursday, the average price of fuel was $3.026, down 0.03 cents from the previous week. The statewide average price for unleaded regular gasoline that day was $3.27, one cent lower than the previous week. In July, fuel prices in the state dropped 15 cents. But AAA said it expects the state to experience a slight increase in August for the first time since 2009. "The narrowing of price declines over the past few weeks suggests that the fuel price dividend Arizona has enjoyed over the past four months is quickly coming to an end," said Linda Gelman, director of communications and public affairs for the Arizona Automobile Association. "Barring no surprises, this increase should be temporary, and by the time the peak summer driving season is over and refineries transition to using cheaper winter fuel blends, oil prices will fall again." On Thursday, the national average oil price was $3.53, an increase of more than 4 cents year-over-year. Gas prices in Tucson are the lowest in the state at $3.16 per gallon, while Flagstaff has the highest prices at $3.52 per gallon.