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SALT LAKE CITY — The price of fuel as the gas pump is starting to creep up.
AAA Utah reported Tuesday that Utahns are starting to see slight increases in the cost of gasoline as the scheduled spring refinery turnaround in formulations begins, along with reductions in supply in some regional markets.
In preparation for the summer driving season and the shift to summer formulated gasoline, refineries typically schedule maintenance during the first two quarters of the year, explained AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough. This year's lower than normal gas prices has caused a number of refineries to adjust their maintenance schedules and/or to cut production in response to abundant supplies and in the preparation of the summer blends, she said.
The average price in the Beehive State for regular gas was $1.78 per gallon. The current average price is 5 cents lower than a month ago, and 48 cents lower than a year ago, the report states. Each of the Utah cities surveyed saw prices fall from February's gas price report, with St. George and Logan reporting double digit decreases. The highest average price was found in St. George at $1.91 a gallon, while the lowest average price was found in Salt Lake City at $1.71 per gallon.
Nationally, the average per gallon price registered at $1.81, 7 cents higher than a month ago and 64 cents lower than a year ago. Only four states — Alaska, California, Hawaii and Nevada — reported average prices above $2, with Hawaii reporting the highest price in the country at $2.54 a gallon. Meanwhile, Arizona drivers are enjoying the lowest average price in the nation at $1.55 a gallon.
"Prices typically increase this time of year. The combination of the shift in refinery schedules and seasonal factors may cause prices to swing at a faster rate than normal as supply and demand seek a balance," Fairclough said. "But the lower price of crude oil and abundant supplies should keep a lid on how high gas prices move in the coming months."
She added that barring any unexpected disruptions in supply, drivers should continue to benefit from relative lower prices at the pump.
