WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Gas prices across Nevada are moving upwards like a Lake Tahoe ski lift. All but one of the Silver State metro areas tracked by AAA saw double-digit increases in month-to-month price comparisons.
According to a Tuesday report from AAA Insurance, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers, the average price in Nevada for regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.51.
Last year at this time, the average price in Nevada was $3.20 a gallon. The national average price of $3.51 is up by 14 cents, which is 38 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.13.
The highest gas price in the Nevada metro areas tracked by AAA is in Sparks. The average price there is $3.67 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 $3.29. Las Vegas is the only Nevada metro area to not see a double- digit increase in its price in month-to-month comparisons.
The average price in Winnemucca of $3.42 was 15 cents higher than last month and 29 cents higher than February 2011, according to a Humboldt Sun survey of 14 area stations on Wednesday evening.
"Gasoline prices continue to be largely influenced by investors' activity," said AAA Insurance spokesperson Matt Skryja. "They are looking for any influences, perceived or real, to both supply and demand. These influences impact their buying behavior. Positive economic news tends to inspire investors' buying, as they anticipate increased demand. The reverse is true with poor economic news."
Both positive and negative economic influences are currently in play. Crude prices, and therefore gas prices, were pressured higher as Greek lawmakers approved austerity measures necessary for the country to receive the second round of bailouts needed to avoid defaulting on its debt obligations. Approval of the measures was considered positive economic news.
Prices have also been pressured upwards by tensions with Iran, which have added uncertainty to the future crude supply.
Some refineries in the United States and Europe have recently cut gasoline production, which has also pressured prices higher. This cutting back was done in reaction to concerns that consumer demand for gasoline has waning.
Nevada has the 15th-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 $3.85. The highest state price in the entire country is Hawaii, at $4.20. Alaska has the second highest price in the nation at $3.87.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyo. The average price of gas in that metro area is $2.86. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.41 per gallon. The highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states is in Eureka, Calif., where the average price is $4.05.
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 Managing Editor David Gouger contributed to this report.
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