Southern Nevada gas prices rising, but not as high as in northern part of state

By Conor Shine (contact)

Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 | 1:54 p.m.

Fuel prices are on the rise throughout Nevada, thanks in part to a recent fire at a Northern California oil refinery, according to data released Tuesday by the AAA auto club.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Nevada jumped 14 cents over the last month to $3.63, mirroring a national trend that has seen overall prices increase by an average of 32 cents since last month, according to AAA.

Nevada’s price increase is partially attributable to a fire last week at a Chevron refinery in Richmond, Calif., which has choked off the region’s fuel supply.

A seasonal increase in travel and geopolitical concerns involving Iran and its oil supply combined to further drive up prices, AAA said.

Las Vegas saw its average fuel price increase 7 cents compared to July, reaching $3.49 per gallon. In North Las Vegas, the average price of a gallon of gas is $3.48, a 6-cent increase, and in Henderson the price was $3.50, a 7-cent increase.

Prices were higher in Northern Nevada, which has been more deeply affected by the refinery fire. In Reno, the average price was $3.90 per gallon, a 27-cent increase, and in Carson City the price was $3.75, an 18-cent increase. Sparks had the highest average gas price in the state at $3.92 per gallon, a 25-cent increase from last month.

The country’s cheapest gas can be found in Tucson, Ariz., at $3.26 per gallon, while Chicago has the country’s highest prices, with a gallon of gas costing $4.41, AAA said.