Prices Reach Seasonal Low Before Climb (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – Southern Nevada gasoline prices prepared for an upward shift as refineries transitioned from winter to summer fuel blends.
Prices Reach Seasonal Low Before Climb
Average prices for regular unleaded gas in the Las Vegas Valley bottomed out at $3.38 per gallon last month.[1][2]
That figure marked the likely low point for the season, according to Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s lead petroleum analyst. By Friday, the average rose to $3.45 per gallon, reflecting a 4-cent weekly increase reported by AAA. Nevada’s statewide average stood at $3.42 per gallon, positioning it among the higher-cost states nationwide.
De Haan noted that Las Vegas often felt the first effects of such changes due to regional supply dynamics.
Seasonal Fuel Switch Fuels the Rise
California refineries initiated the changeover to summer blend gasoline, a process set to impact Nevada and Arizona within the next one to two weeks. These states relied heavily on California for supply, so transitions there quickly rippled outward.[1]
Winter blends contained butane and additives to prevent freezing and boost cold-weather performance. Summer versions omitted butane in favor of pricier emissions-reducing components, mandated under the Clean Air Act of 1970. AAA explained that this shift aimed to curb pollution during hotter months.
“I do think that probably in the next week or two, we’ll probably start to see gasoline prices rise as they tend to do every spring,” De Haan stated. “Vegas is probably one of the first that will start to see the increases at the pump.”
Factors Behind the Expected Jump
Analysts projected a 25- to 65-cent-per-gallon increase through the spring peak. On the lower end, prices could reach about $3.70; higher scenarios approached $4 or the low $4 range.[1]
Several elements converged to drive this trend:
- Higher demand as travel picked up in spring and summer months.
- The multi-month fuel blend transition.
- Costlier summer gasoline formulations.
- Scheduled maintenance at Southern California refineries.
“All three of those issues, rising demand, the seasonal transition and more expensive blends of gasoline rolling out. That’s usually what leads exactly to this 25- to 65-cent increase between now and April or May,” De Haan added.
Nevada’s Place in National Rankings
Nevada held the fifth spot for average gas prices across the U.S. at $3.42 per gallon. Only a few states exceeded it.
| State | Average Price ($/gallon) |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 4.41 |
| California | 4.29 |
| Washington | 3.89 |
| Alaska | 3.44 |
| Nevada | 3.42 |
Last year offered context: late January averages hit $3.68 per gallon in Southern Nevada, peaking at $3.96 on April 4. The prior season saw a milder 20-cent rise, influenced by eased international tariffs.
Key Takeaways
- Expect 25-65 cent increases soon due to fuel switch and demand.
- Las Vegas prices started from a recent low of $3.38 per gallon.
- Nevada ranked fifth nationally for gas costs.
Drivers in Southern Nevada should anticipate tighter budgets at the pump through spring. What strategies will you use to manage rising fuel costs? Share in the comments.
