Utah’s gas prices are rising. Could tariffs have an impact?

SALT LAKE CITY — Gas prices in the Beehive State are on the rise, as they typically are coming out of winter.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Utah has risen 20 cents in the last month to an average of $3.26 as of Friday morning.

But that price is actually much cheaper than this time just one year ago. On April 4, 2024, Utahns were spending an average of $3.87 a gallon for regular unleaded.

Gas prices normally rise in the spring

AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes told KSL NewsRadio it’s normal for gas prices to rise in the spring with more cars on the road and refineries switching to a more expensive, ozone-oriented summer blend of gas.

He said prices usually rise, then peak sometime between June and August. But this year, Utahns could see something abnormally good for the time of year.

Paredes said OPEC is planning to increase oil production for the first time in five years next month, which could help with prices at the pump.

“If anything, gas prices might actually start levelling out or actually get a little cheaper in the beginning of May,” Paredes said.

Tariffs and the current economy

Paredes also addressed the concern around the current state of the economy and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

He said it’s too soon to tell whether they could have an impact on our gas prices, but he noted gas prices typically follow economic trends.

For example, in 2022, when U.S. gas prices surged to record highs north of $5 a gallon, Paredes said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine played a big role in that.

We’ll have to wait and see if anything happens down the road, but until then, Utahns can enjoy cheaper year-over-year prices and maybe more relief next month.

“We’ll take the good where we can get it,” Paredes said.

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