PHOENIX — While not wrapped in colorful paper, falling gas prices so near to the holiday driving system feels like a gift.
According to the gas price tracking site GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the United States is now $3.13. Down $0.61 in just the last month.
Six months ago, the Phoenix metro hit its highest average gas price on record.
Since then, average prices have been down over $2.
In just the past month, Phoenix area gas has declined $0.85.
This year has been a roller coaster for gas prices. A dramatic increase began in late February coinciding with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A few days ago, prices dropped below the pre-spike price of $3.89.
Diesel prices are not seeing the same relief. Prices have risen 30 cents since December 14 putting the average diesel price in Phoenix back above $5 after two months of steady declines.
Phoenix area diesel is now above the U.S. average which last occurred on October 14.
What can Arizonans expect for that holiday drive?
A trip to one of Arizona’s metro regions will have drivers paying about 40 cents less than they did if they drove prior to Thanksgiving.
Expect to pay $3.11 in Tucson, a savings of $0.44 compared to last month. Filling up in Flagstaff will cost an average of $3.71, the highest in the state but down $0.32. Prescott stations are averaging $3.62, down $0.35. Yuma prices are down $0.51 to $3.47. The Kingman/Lake Havasu region has seen a monthly drop of $0.66 to $3.53.
Many Arizonans also drive to cities in neighboring states.
According to GasBuddy data, prices have seen steep declines in California. San Deigo and Los Angeles stations are both down nearly a dollar since last month, but drivers are still paying over $4.
Las Vegas gas prices are averaging exactly $4 a gallon.
Drive east to Albuquerque and the average price of gas plummets to $2.72.
Salt Lake City meanwhile, is averaging $3.52.
