The average cost of an unleaded gallon of gasoline in Utah declined 4 cents over the past month to $2.87, travel services agency AAA Utah reported Tuesday.
Nationally, prices rose 7 cents to an average of $2.97, according to AAA.
"The good news is that we don't have some of the highest prices anymore," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman. "The bad news is that gas prices nationwide are expected to remain high for some time."
Gas-price information for each state is available at http://www.fuelgaugereport.com.
Of the Utah cities surveyed, St. George had the highest gas prices: an average of $2.93 per gallon, down 3 cents from last month. Vernal had the second-highest average at $2.92, followed by Moab, $2.89; Provo, $2.86; Logan, $2.85; Ogden, $2.82; and Salt Lake City, $2.81.
Just a few months ago, Utah's prices were among the highest nationally. Last month, Utah still had the 20th-highest gas prices in the country. This month, only 12 states have lower prices.
While gas prices in Utah are off from the record of $2.92 set May 22, the national average is marching toward the record of $3.06 set Sept. 5, Fairclough said.
Utah benefits from being a fairly insulated market with a pipeline that brings crude oil from Wyoming and five small refineries in North Salt Lake, said John Hill, director of the Utah Petroleum Marketers & Retailers Association.
While gasoline prices typically rise during the summer, Utah's refineries had more than enough supply to meet demands of increased holiday travel, Hill said.
But Utah isn't immune from political unrest, which can push oil prices higher.
Crude oil prices rose Tuesday after Iran reaffirmed its right to continue to engage in nuclear research. Iran has said it wants to develop its nuclear power infrastructure, but the United States and European Union are worried the country is secretly developing nuclear weapons. Both want the country to limit nuclear development and research.
Analysts say the major global issue affecting the oil market right now is concern that a dispute between Iran and the West over its nuclear program could lead Iran to restrict oil exports. Such a move by the second-biggest exporter in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries could cause gas prices to jump.
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The Associated Press contributed to this story.
