Ryan Randazzo | The Republic | azcentral.com

Wochit, Wochit

Phoenix area gas stations hit a dubious mark over the weekend, as regular fuel averaged $3 a gallon, with experts predicting further increases.

Prices have not topped $3 in Phoenix since last summer, according to AAA Arizona.

Fuel stations in the region had increased prices a few cents a day for the past three weeks, but seemed hesitant to break mostly psychological barrier, until Saturday. That's when many stations began swapping out the numeral "2" for "3" on their price marquees.

The average price of a gallon of regular on Monday was $3 in Phoenix proper and $3.01 in the greater metro area, according to AAA Arizona.

"Arizona just really hasn't been able to catch a break as of late with gas prices," AAA Arizona spokeswoman Michelle Donati said. "Right now we are still in the middle of a perfect storm when it comes to all the factors contributing to price increases."

She said AAA is predicting Arizona prices to rise another 10 to 15 cents in the next few weeks. After that, they might "correct" a bit, but then continue to remain high through summer, she said.

AAA, a motoring and travel membership organization, predicts continued increases thanks to rising oil prices and heavy demand through the summer driving season.

"Oil prices increased last week, and will likely continue their ascent this week, as a weaker dollar helped to push crude prices up because of the increased number of dollars needed to purchase crude on the global market," AAA reported Monday.

Mark Henle/The Republic

Not only do gasoline prices reflect the price of oil, but seasonal demand also drives up gas prices in summer. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts gas prices nationally to increase through June, and then begin to go lower through September.

A supply crunch that left many Phoenix and Tucson Circle K, Shell and Fry's fuel stations without gas in recent weeks appears to have mostly subsided.

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AAA blamed broader supply concerns on the West Coast for the continued rising prices in the region.

"Ongoing planned and unplanned refinery maintenance throughout the region continues to shrink stocks," AAA reported Monday for the West Coast.

California at $4 per gallon

While Arizona motorists are paying much more than the national average of $2.83 a gallon, they are well below California, which hit $4 a gallon on average Monday. That's the highest price in that state since July 2014.

“We are seeing very expensive gas prices for this time of year across the country,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Motorists are seeing prices increase as gasoline stocks decreased substantially ... amid summer-like demand readings.”

Patient drivers can find fuel at $2.85 a gallon at various Phoenix-area fuel stations, according to GasBuddy, which relies on users to report observed prices.

The cheapest gas in the Valley on Monday was $2.79 a gallon at cash-only Arco station near Broadway and 7th Avenue, according to the site.

These are averages for a gallon of regular around Arizona, according to AAA.

Flagstaff: $3.12.

Glendale: $3.01.

Lake Havasu City-Kingman: $3.12.

Phoenix: $3.

Prescott: $3.09.

Scottsdale: $3.09.

Tucson: $2.74.

Yuma: $3.