Arizona's average gas price remains the seventh most expensive in the country, according to AAA's Fuel Prices database. The price of gas jumped by over 30 cents a gallon a month ago, when refineries started producing a summer fuel blend that is more expensive.

Every year, Arizona switches to a summer gasoline blend that creates less pollution because it's designed to prevent gas from evaporating in the heat.

"Winter gas doesn't have to burn as cleanly as summer gas does," said Vince Wolpert, the compliance manager for fuel regulations at the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The lighter summer blend is also more expensive to produce, causing gas prices to rise.

The jump in gas prices was larger in Maricopa County, which has used a different, cleaner-burning gas blend than the rest of the state since the 1990s. Parts of Pinal County also use the cleaner gas from May through September.

A final reason for the spring gas spike is higher demand, Wolpert said. With spring training bringing tourists and visitors to Phoenix, and summer being a popular time for road trips, there is more of a demand for gas, which makes it more expensive.

What is the average cost of gas in Arizona?

The average cost of regular gas in Arizona is $3.38 per gallon as of March 5, down slightly from the past week's average of $3.40.

Where is the cheapest gas in Arizona?

The farther that gas needs to be transported, the more expensive it tends to be. Yuma, for instance, is close to California, where Arizona sources slightly less than half of its gas, according to Wolpert. This contributes to its having the cheapest gas of any metro area in Arizona, with an average cost of $3.12 per gallon.

The eastern counties, which are closer to refineries in New Mexico, also tend to have cheaper gas, like Graham County, which has an average price of $2.79, the lowest in the state.

In metro Phoenix, the Phoenix-Mesa area claimed the title of cheapest average gas with a price of $3.57 per gallon. Scottsdale's gas, at $3.69, was the most expensive in metro Phoenix and in Arizona more broadly.

How can I save money on gas?

With the amount of factors involved, it's hard to predict whether gas prices in the state will see a dip anytime soon.

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