WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Upward-creeping gas prices are the story across most of Nevada, as all but one of the Silver State metro areas tracked by AAA saw an increase in month-to-month price comparisons.
According to the latest report from AAA Insurance, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers, the average price in Nevada for regular, unleaded gasoline was $3.42 as of Jan. 10.
Last year at this time, the average price in Nevada was $3.11 a gallon. That means there has been a year-to-year increase of 31 cents. The national average price of $3.37 is up by 10 cents, which is 28 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.09.
Winnemucca bucked the statewide trend and was down 9 cents from last month for an average price of $3.27 in January. However, that is still 23 cents higher than the average of $3.04 in January 2011. In a Humboldt Sun survey of 14 local gas stations on Thursday morning, the prices ranged from a low of $3.20 to a high of $3.49.
The highest gas price in the Nevada metro areas tracked by AAA is in Sparks. The average price there is $3.52 for regular, unleaded. Elko has the Silver State's lowest pump price found in metro areas tracked by AAA. Drivers in that metro area are seeing an average price of $3.17.
"Consumers have been seeing a steady increase in gas prices ever since late last year," said AAA Insurance spokesperson Matt Skryja. "The recent jumps at the pump are largely driven by investors' buying behavior, which is linked to real, perceived or potential impacts on supply and demand worldwide. Recent tensions between Iran and the U.S. in the Persian Gulf sparked concerns about possible restrictions on oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Fears over this potential impact to supply helped push the price upwards."
Positive economic reports about the U.S. and Chinese economies have also helped pressure gasoline prices higher. That said, late last week concerns about ongoing economic stability issues in the Euro zone helped to counter-balance the rising price of oil. Global economic weakness, and the associated decrease in demand for oil, exerts downward pressure on the price of crude. Figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that demand for gasoline in the United States has continued to drop, as oil and gasoline stocks are building.
Nevada has the 13th highest average state price in the nation, tied with Kentucky and North Carolina. Among the lower 48 states, the highest average state price reported by AAA was achieved by California, which reached an average price of $3.70. The highest state price in the entire country is Hawaii, at $4.03. Alaska has the second highest price in the nation at $3.96.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in St. George, Utah. The average price of gas in that metro area is $2.85. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.36 per gallon. The highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states is in Eureka, Calif., where the average price is $3.88.
To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, planning errands and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.
One way consumers can reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel is to shop aggressively for the lowest price. AAA offers text alerts via mobile phone for low gas prices in your area. Start saving today at www.aaa.com/gas.
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
Humboldt Sun Staff Writer Tony Erquiaga contributed to this report.
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