Why are gas prices going up in AZ? Surprise: They're not. Here's what to know

It may feel like you're taking a gamble filling up your car this summer. When gas prices seem to fluctuate every week, it's hard to know what to expect when you get to the pump.

According to data from AAA , the average gas price in Arizona is actually 5 cents a gallon less than the national average. While the average price of regular gas in the United States is $3.52 per gallon, Arizona residents pay an average of $3.47 per gallon as of July 25.

"They totally have not been going up," Julian Paredes, the AAA spokesperson for Arizona. "We're actually below the national average right now. It's pretty rare."

Here's why gas prices are actually going down right now.

Why are gas prices going down in Arizona?

Gas prices have been consistently decreasing since the start of summer, partly due to the heat encouraging Arizonans to stay inside. In June, the average price of regular gas in Arizona was 13 cents more than it is in July.

"I think a lot of it has to do with heat waves. Demand across the country for gas is actually pretty low right now," Paredes said. "I'd imagine the Southwest is probably more so than the rest of the country just because it is so hot and that deters people from driving or taking some fewer trips, just staying indoors mainly."

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Compared to the last couple of years, gas prices are finally becoming a little more steady, according to Paredes. Last July, the average price of regular gas was 33 cents per gallon higher than this year.

"The last few years have been very crazy in terms of the gas market," Paredes said. "This is kind of the first year where gas has been relatively stable or normal. The market's reacting the way we would expect for the first time in a while."

How much is gas in Arizona right now?

Most gas prices in Arizona cities aren't straying very far from the state average. The most expensive city this month is Flagstaff, where you can expect to pay 17 cents more than the Arizona average. Here is how the other Arizona regions' gas prices rank, according to AAA.

1. Flagstaff: $3.64.
2. Scottsdale: $3.55.
3. Prescott: $3.53.
4. Sierra Vista-Douglas: $3.49.
5. East Valley: $3.48.
6. Phoenix-Mesa: $3.47.
7. Lake Havasu-Kingman: $3.46.
8. Phoenix Proper: $3.46.
9. Peoria: $3.45.
10. Yuma: $3.44.
11. Glendale: $3.42.
12. West Valley: $3.42.
13. Pima County: $3.39.
14. Tucson: $3.39.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are gas prices going up in AZ? Surprise: They're not. Here's what to know