LAS VEGAS - Northern Nevada is feeling the heat from California, as refinery problems are impacting prices in the Reno region. The lower part of the Silver State has also seen jumps at the pump. According to the latest report from AAA Nevada, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers, all but one metro area in Nevada saw a rise in its average price over the past month.
The average price in Nevada for regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.63, an increase of 14 cents from last month. Last year at this time, the average price in Nevada was $3.52 a gallon. That means there has been a year-to-year increase of eleven cents. The national average price of $3.70 is up by 32 cents, which is 10 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.60.
The highest gas price of the Nevada metro areas tracked by AAA is in Sparks. The average price in this metro area is $3.92 for regular, unleaded. North Las Vegas 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 $3.48.
"The recent fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond has created a short-term spike in gas prices across many parts of the Pacific Northwest and Nevada," said AAA Nevada spokesperson Cynthia Harris. "It still remains to be seen how long the impact of the fire will be felt. Meanwhile, across the United States, positive economic news has been putting upward pressure on oil prices."
Nevada has dropped to the 15th cheapest 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 $4.10. It was also the second highest in the nation. The highest state price in the entire country is Hawaii, at $4.17.
The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in the Tucson, Ariz., metro area. The average price of gas in that metro area is $3.26. Chicago holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.41 per gallon.
AAA Monthly Gas Price Averages: August 14, 2012
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