Why are Arizona gas prices so high? [Video]

While it is true that the proverbial “summer blend” adds a few cents onto the gallon, experts say the real problem is in a certain state to the west.

PHOENIX — Look, we don’t need to mince words. Gas prices in the Phoenix Metro are rough right now.

As of Friday, the average gas prices in Maricopa and Pinal counties are almost a dollar over the national average, according to AAA’s gas price monitor. In Maricopa County, expect to see prices to the tune of $4.36 per gallon — give or take some cents.

Gas prices aren’t regulated in Arizona, which means that companies are free to set high prices. Inevitably, we all start looking at the usual suspects; the dreaded “summer blend,” inflation, etc. This time, the culprit is tourism, war and California.

Let’s start local. Arizona doesn’t have any oil refineries of its own, so almost all of the state’s gasoline comes from our neighbors, California …