LAS VEGAS - Double-digit decreases in gas prices are the story across the state of Nevada, as all but one of the Silver State's metro areas tracked by AAA saw a decrease of more than 20 cents in month-to-month price comparisons.
According to the latest report from AAA Nevada, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers, the average price in Nevada for regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.40.
Last year at this time, the average price in Nevada was $3.06 a gallon. That means there has been a year-to-year increase of 34 cents. The national average price of $3.27 is down by 14 cents, which is 29 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.98.
A Wednesday afternoon survey of 14 Winnemucca-area gas stations by the Humboldt Sun showed the average price for a gallon of unleaded to be $3.36. That is a decrease of 31 cents from last month and an increase of 28 cents from this time last year. The highest price recorded was $3.45, while the lowest was $3.31.
Of the 14 stations surveyed, 10 also sell diesel fuel. The average price for diesel was $3.92 per gallon. The highest diesel price was $3.95 and the lowest $3.87 per gallon.
The highest gas price in the Nevada metro areas tracked by AAA is in Sparks. The average price there is $3.48 for regular, unleaded. North Las Vegas and Carson City both have the Silver State's lowest pump price found in metro areas tracked by AAA. Drivers in both those metro areas are seeing an average price of $3.36.
Across the state, Elko was down 26 cents to $3.43.
"Global economic issues continue to play a huge role in where oil and gas prices are going," explained AAA Nevada spokesperson Matt Skryja "This is especially true in the Euro zone, where sovereign debt concerns remain in the forefront of investors' minds. Investors have been a large driving force of where prices have been going as their buying behavior can influence the price of commodities, up or down. Poor economic data is often interpreted as an indication of decreasing demand, or the potential of decreasing demand, which causes the price of oil to drop as investors pull back on their buying."
Another recent influence on pricing is the U.S. dollar, which has strengthened relative to foreign currencies. Oil futures are priced in U.S. dollars. As the dollar strengthens, when compared to currencies abroad, the effective purchasing power of those holding foreign currencies decreases. As this happens, oil futures become a less attractive investment, which exerts downward pressure on prices. Additionally, figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that demand for gasoline in the United States is the lowest it has been in the past six weeks.
Nevada has the ninth-highest average state price in the nation. Among the lower 48 states, the highest average state price reported by AAA was achieved by California, which reached an average price of $3.59. The highest state price in the entire country is Hawaii, at $4.06. Alaska has the second highest price in the nation at $3.96.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Albuquerque, N.M. The average price of gas in that metro area is $2.84. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.38 per gallon. The highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states is in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., where the average price is $3.88.
Across the West, Saint George, Utah, was down 28 cents from last month to $3.07. Phoenix dropped 15 cents to $3.13, Salt Lake City was down 25 cents to $3.28 and Los Angeles fell 28 cents to $3.59. San Francisco dropped 20 cents to $3.74.
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 Pamela Victory contributed to this report.
[[In-content Ad]]
