East Valley drivers were paying 3 cents more for gas late last week than a week earlier, according to AAA Arizona, turning over $3.783 per gallon at the pump.
For the first time in several weeks, gas prices ticked up in the East Valley. While the state average shrunk 2 cents to $3.796, several states and regions saw increases. AAA Arizona reports it is because of refinery trouble on the West Coast.
The nationwide average was down nearly 2 cents at $3.722 per gallon.
While wholesale markets have started to settle down this week, Arizona pump prices may continue to tighten as Memorial Day weekend nears, said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. However, this is not likely to deter holiday road trips. In fact, almost nine in 10, or more than 620,000 Arizonans, plan to take to the road next week.
