LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If walking to your destination is an option, it might seem like an even better idea these days as gas prices in the Las Vegas valley are creeping up suddenly.
“I paid $2.79 and then turned around, and it was like $ 3.33,” said Michael Burris. “And it's like oh my goodness. And I’m trying to figure out why are they so high like all of a sudden?”
The price hike seems to have come without warning. According to AAA of Nevada, prices jumped 18 cents within the last week and 39 cents from a month ago.
"I drive a big truck,” said Burris.” It cuts out time going out with the family and getting out of town because it changes the budget. Because now you have to factor in the gas price."
Monday, gas prices are hovering around $3.26 a gallon for regular unleaded in Southern Nevada
And our proximity to California is partially to blame, according to AAA Nevada spokesperson Sergio Avila.
“We’re connected with California. So whatever happens in California will eventually start happening here because that's where we get most of our gasoline,” Avila said.
He also said March and April are typically when West Coast refineries do scheduled maintenance.
"But with that maintenance, there’s been some unplanned work that’s had to happen, so that has dwindled the supply in the Western region while demand is increasing,” Avila said.
While prices in California have surged to $4, Avila says that's unlikely to happen in Nevada.
“In Nevada, it will be pretty difficult to get to that $4 a gallon mark. Gas prices in California would probably have to rise to about $4.30 on average there for us to approach $4 here."
