With $3.54 average, Nevada gas prices among lowest in country

By Kyle B. Hansen

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011 | 5:44 p.m.

After a year of fluctuating gas prices, the cost of fuel has remained relatively stable in Nevada over the past month.

National prices have also stayed mostly flat, but changed enough that the Silver State now has the seventh-lowest average gas price in the country, according to AAA.

October 2010 was the start of an eight-month streak of rising prices, culminating in a statewide average of $3.94 in May. Prices fell in June and July.

But August’s AAA fuel price report shows prices haven’t changed much in the past 28 days, with the state average the same today as it was July 12, and the national average up just a penny.

Nevada’s average fuel price is $3.54 and the national average is $3.65.

The average in Las Vegas fell 1 cent this month and North Las Vegas fell 2 cents, with both cities averaging $3.46. Henderson’s average fell 2 cents to $3.48.

Northern parts of the state saw slight increases in their averages. Reno's average rose 6 cents to $3.67, Sparks rose 6 cents to $3.70 and Carson City also rose 6 cents to $3.61. Elko has the highest average in the state after a 4-cent rise to $3.80.

Demand for gasoline has remained low and investors have less interest in oil, which has helped to keep costs down, AAA spokesman Matt Skryja said.

But prices remain well above what they were a year ago, when Nevada’s average was $2.97 and the national average was $2.78.