Gas prices in the Phoenix and Mesa region are down more than 20 cents a gallon from last week as the summer driving season kicks into gear, AAA Arizona officials said.

The first day of summer on June 21 made the financial pain of filling up at the pumps much easier to take than last year when prices were more than $1.50 a gallon higher.

AAA reported that lackluster demand and low oil costs are keeping gas prices relatively stable and far lower than at this point in 2022.

“We may be in a bit of a demand lull heading into the July 4^th holiday,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said.

“Drivers are benefiting financially, with 20 gallons of gas costing nearly $30 less than last year. And with the cost for oil low, drivers will find pump prices that are flat or drifting slightly lower for now.”

AAA Arizona calculates Mesa gas prices along with a portion of Phoenix together, and recent figures show drivers are paying about $4.16 a gallon today. Last week a gallon of regular cost $4.37.

The Arizona average today is $4.02, down from $4.17 a week ago.