Arizona’s statewide average gas price jumped more than 15 cents this past week to $1.972, according to a March 24 report from AAA Arizona.

The national average price was up a nickel to $2.013. 

“While seasonal increases in demand and reduced production at some refineries are causing gas prices to rise across the country, West Coast drivers are experiencing even more of a price surge as a power outage at ExxonMobil’s Torrance, California, refinery is reportedly causing production delays,” said Linda Gorman, AAA Arizona spokeswoman. 

“The statewide fuel average will soon climb above $2 per gallon for the first time this year in the coming days as this upward momentum continues,” she said.

Prices already eclipsed $2 per gallon in Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Flagstaff.

Prices are still well below a year ago when motorists were paying statewide average prices of $2.389.

New Jersey had the lowest average price at $1.779. California had the highest average price in the lower 48 states at $2.727.