Articles
9 February 2012

Utah’s Gas Prices Rock Back and Forth

by PR or News Wire

09 February 2012—

 First they were up, then down, up again, and down. Gas prices in Utah fluctuated all month long, and according to the latest report from AAA Utah are now 4 cents higher than last month.

Utah’s average gas price is up 4 cents to $2.78 a gallon since last month’s survey on February 9, according to AAA Utah, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers. Utah’s average is 98 cents higher than it was at this time last year. Last month Utah’s prices were the 10th highest in the country. Today, Utah’s price is the 17th highest in the country.

“Renewed optimism seems to be the catch phrase of the month,” said Rolayne Fairclough, spokesperson for AAA Utah. “The question is how does one define optimism? On the one hand unemployment figures are still high, a clear sign that the economy has not turned the corner yet. On the other hand, fewer jobs are being cut than in past months.”

With refineries switching over to summer blended fuels and investors counting on the potential for increased vehicle travel as the weather improves, oil prices have been pushed higher. Against that backdrop it is important to remember that prices are still somewhat restrained by weak fundamentals. Supplies remain in good shape while demand remains low. These factors alone will likely keep prices from moving dramatically higher in the short term.

        According to AAA, the current national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.76. This is 12 cents higher than last month’s report and 81 cents higher than a year ago. Hawaii at $3.44 has the highest average price in the country. California has the highest price, $3.07, in the lower 48 states. Missouri has the lowest price in the country, at $2.58.

 

        All of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA experienced single digit increases since last month’s report. With motorists paying an average $2.75, Logan’s drivers saw the largest increase of 8 cents. Moab had the next highest increase, 7 cents, bringing the current price in Moab to $2.87. Prices increased by 4 cents in both Ogden and St. George. The current price in St. George is $2.83. Ogden’s current price is $2.74. Vernal’s price increased 3 cents to $2.75. Salt Lake City and Provo’s prices rose 2 cents. The current average price in Provo is $2.75. Salt Lake City’s price is $2.73.

The surrounding states also saw increases in their gasoline prices this month. Idaho’s price increased 7 cents to $2.79 a gallon for regular, self-serve. Montana’s price also increased 7 cents, bringing the average price to $2.75. Wyoming current price, $2.62, is 9 cents higher than a month ago. Colorado’s price increased 10 cents to $2.64. New Mexico drivers also experienced a 10-cent increase, bringing their average price to $2.76. Arizona’s current price is $2.73, a 10-cent increase from last month’s report. Nevada’s price rose 4 cents to $2.83. California’s price increased 11 cents to $3.07.

 

        For those planning a fall road trip, gasoline prices in regional destination cities are: Los Angeles, $3.07; San Diego, $3.07; San Francisco, $3.16; Las Vegas, $2.75; Reno, $2.93; Phoenix, $2.71; Boise, $2.78; and Denver, $2.60.


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