Las Vegas motorists find some relief at the pump

By Dave Toplikar

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | 5:10 p.m.

Gasoline prices have dropped about 25 cents per gallon in the last month in Las Vegas — averaging about $3.47 per gallon for regular unleaded.

And the AAA Nevada motor club's monthly gas survey shows that's about 11 cents per gallon under the average national price and 12 cents below the average Nevada price.

AAA, which released its survey numbers Tuesday, said North Las Vegas pump prices were even lower. They're averaging $3.45 per gallon for regular unleaded. Henderson prices were averaging $3.48.

Cynthia Harris, a AAA spokeswoman, said prices will probably go up soon because of increased demand for gasoline during the summer, beginning around Memorial Day.

Tuesday's national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.58, which is 12 cents less than the average price a year ago.

The national average is currently 21 cents below the peak 2013 price to date of $3.79 on Feb. 27. In 2011, the national average for regular unleaded peaked at $3.98 on May 5. In 2012, the price peaked at $3.94 on April 5 and 6.

The average price in Nevada is $3.54 per gallon, which was a drop of 25 cents since the last AAA survey on April 12.

The only two metro areas paying more than last month are Carson City, at $3.72, or 3 cents higher, and Reno, at $3.88, or 1 cent higher.