Unraveling the Mystery: Why Gas Prices Soar Low in Casa Grande

Gas prices in Maricopa, Arizona, have fallen below the national average, a rarity that residents might consider a surprising turn of events. As of December 30, 2024, the price of gas at local stations such as Circle K on Honeycutt Rd stands at $2.99 per gallon. This represents a notable contrast to the national average of $3.02 and Arizona’s average, which is slightly higher by three cents, according to AAA.

Despite the decrease, Maricopa’s prices remain elevated compared to neighboring Pinal County, where the average is $2.87 per gallon. In Casa Grande, adjacent to Maricopa, some stations have reported prices as low as $2.24. This stark price difference raises questions about the factors influencing gas pricing in the area.

Julian Paredes, a spokesperson for AAA, acknowledged the challenges in pinpointing the reasons behind such discrepancies. He noted that prices fluctuate based on local demand, transportation costs, and the specific gasoline formulations used, such as the Cleaner Burning Gasoline blend mandated for much of the Phoenix metro area.

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan added that variations in gasoline costs are often a result of differing specifications for emissions control, which can lead to significant cost differences—sometimes as high as 50 cents per gallon—between cleaner blends and conventional gasoline.

This year, Senate Republicans introduced legislation aimed at expanding the types of gasoline blends available in Arizona to potentially reduce prices; however, the bill did not advance beyond House committees.

Exploring the geographic factors, De Haan pointed out that Maricopa’s location between California and Texas influences gas supplies. California refineries cater to the western regions, while Texas and New Mexico serve the eastern parts of the state. This dual supply source contributes to the fluctuating prices seen in Maricopa.

The rising population in the Phoenix suburbs, including Maricopa, also complicates the supply dynamics. As demand grows, the challenge of maintaining enough Cleaner Burning Gasoline becomes apparent, with pipeline limitations exacerbated by the rapid population increase.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the pricing fluctuations, De Haan recommends that drivers utilize apps like GasBuddy, Google Maps, or Waze to locate the best fuel prices in the area, thereby encouraging competition among stations.