SHOW LOW — Predictions are that the worst of gasoline prices for this year may have come and gone.
If it proves to be true, it will be good news for consumers who have had to trim other parts of their budgets to afford the high cost of fuel to get to where they need to go.
Representatives with AAA Arizona announced that the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded has dipped 7 cents in the last week. That leaves the national average at $3.56 per gallon.
The average price for regular unleaded in Arizona has for months either mirrored the national average or been below it, but this time it is a little above with a statewide average of $3.61 for a gallon of fuel.
In Phoenix, the price is about $3.66 per gallon. In Tucson, some stations have it for as low as $3.29 per gallon.
Here in the White Mountains, motorists were still paying an average of about $3.54 per gallon at most stations as of April 12.
In Pinetop-Lakeside the average price, according to opisnet.com, was $3.59 per gallon for regular unleaded. In neighboring Show Low, it was $3.54.
In Snowflake, motorists saved about a nickel with an average price of $3.50. Motorists in Taylor and St. Johns also paid about that much.
In Whiteriver on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, the commodity garnered an average of $3.57 per gallon. In Holbrook, gas sold for an average of $3.49 per gallon. In Canyon Day, just down the highway from Whiteriver, the average cost was much higher with $3.57 per gallon.
One of the highest prices The Independent found was in Round Valley, where motorists shelled out $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded. Heber/Overgaard outdid Springerville by a penny, with motorists paying $3.61.
“Falling prices are a result of a combination of things: lower crude prices, refineries finishing up their spring maintenance earlier this year and the fact that motorists are driving fewer miles,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, AAA predicts the average price of gas in 2013 will be lower than 2012’s average of $3.60 a gallon, which is the highest annual average ever recorded by AAA.”
Reach the reporter at mleiby@wmicentral.com