Why is gas expensive in Arizona?
Arizona's gasoline averages $3.73 a gallon, $0.35 above the U.S. average of $3.38. About 19 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Arizona stations.
What you're paying for
Arizona pays about $0.35 more per gallon than the U.S. average. Regional supply costs account for most of the gap.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Arizona U.S. average
Arizona, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.73 a gallon in Arizona?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Arizona's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $1.14 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 19 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.35 above the national average of $3.38.
How much of Arizona's gas price is taxes?+
Arizona charges about 19 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 10% of the $3.73 pump price.
Does Arizona have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Arizona does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.