Gas prices locally follow trend seen across the country

Gas prices in Buckeye continue to climb, following the pattern seen across the nation.

Average prices on Wednesday in Buckeye stood at $4.68 per gallon, up $1.48 from the month previous.

Average prices in the Phoenix metro area were slightly lower than those found at stations in the West Valley, according to data from Gas Buddy and AAA reports.

Additionally, the Southwest posted prices higher than much of the rest of the country. Only California and the Pacific Northwest had higher prices – reaching close to $6 per gallon.

“Consumers continue to feel the sting of rising oil, gasoline, and diesel costs as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, pushing gasoline prices to their highest levels in years while diesel could soon approach the $5-per-gallon mark nationally,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

The automobile club AAA showed average prices in the West Valley at $4.64 on Wednesday.

Officials with AAA pointed to the arrival of spring break season with a spike in prices jumping nearly 35 cents since the week previous.

Current prices are similar to the spring of 2024, according to AAA.

“Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road,” according to a statement from the motor club. “Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100/barrel mark multiple times in recent days.”

“Until we see a meaningful resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, upward pressure on fuel prices is likely to persist,” De Haan said. “At the same time, seasonal forces are beginning to intensify as several regions complete the transition to summer gasoline, creating a double headwind that could continue driving pump prices higher in the weeks ahead.”

The City of Buckeye Police Department said that despite high pump prices, gasoline theft has not increased, still Buckeye police recommend drivers “take measures to protect their property.”

“Locking gas caps, making sure your vehicle alarm system is activated, parking inside your garage when possible and keeping the outside of your home well-lit are excellent ways to deter thieves,” said Carissa Planalp, BPD spokeswoman.

Buckeye city officials said the city plans for fluctuations in fuel costs "as part of its regular budgeting process and has contingencies in place to account for market changes," according to a prepared statement provided to InBuckey.com.

"Rising gasoline prices are not expected to impact city services or delay any planned projects," said John O'Halloran, "The city will continue to operate as normal and residents should not see any disruption in service levels."