Gas prices spike in Tucson, locals seek cheaper stations | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Gas prices are surging across the country, and drivers in Southern Arizona are feeling the impact at the pump. The ARCO station off Speedway and Interstate 10 has been crowded, with drivers searching for the cheapest gas they can find.

Ricardo Parraz, a Tucson driver, shared his experience with the rising costs.

“Yeah fifty dollars right there. There it is. And it probably still didn’t fill it up,” Parraz said.

Parraz, who has lived in Tucson for nearly 50 years, mentioned he has never seen gas prices this high.

“It is frustrating because we are all trying to make it here and times are hard like I said and we need gas to go to places and we need to work and stuff like that,” Parraz said.

According to AAA, the surge in gas prices is driven by rising oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Arizona’s average price for regular gasoline increased by 53 cents in the past week to $3.85. In Tucson, prices rose by 47 cents to $3.61. This increase has led Parraz and many others to seek cheaper gas at the ARCO off Speedway and I-10.

Nour Nour, another Tucson driver, explained the lengths he goes to for cheaper gas.

“I have to travel over 5-6 miles just to come around here for the gas just because I’m saving almost 50 cents I guess or whatever it does help you know,” Nour said.

Even with the lower prices at this station, Parraz noticed the increase.

“I’ve been coming here for probably 4-5 weeks before it all started just because I knew it was the cheapest price in town and now it’s just getting bad everywhere,” Parraz said.

AAA warns that gas prices can change quickly depending on global oil markets, meaning drivers may continue to see fluctuations at the pump in the coming weeks.