Oregon Average for Gas Rises Above National Price

The national average continues to decline, but here in Oregon pump prices are on the rise.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Oregon's statewide average for regular unleaded is up this week, while the national average continues to decline." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said today.

"The Oregon average increases three-and-a-half cents to $2.98, while the national average drops nearly two cents to $2.96, and is at its lowest level in more than three months.

Both the Oregon and national averages are less than $3 per gallon for the third week in a row."

The price of crude is about $93 per barrel today, up about five dollars from last week. But gas prices are expected to decline in the next few weeks because of decreasing demand.

The MasterCard SpendingPulse reports today that U.S. gasoline demand, as measured by purchases at the pump, fell about 3.5% last week. And the federal government reports that the U.S. gas inventory hit a 14-year high last week.

We're still paying much more for gas than we were a year ago. The national average is about 75 cents higher than it was last year at this time, while Oregon's current average is 56 cents higher.

Gas prices are up in all of Oregon's measured metropolitan areas and in Vancouver, WA. In Eugene/Springfield and Medford/Ashland, prices are up six cents.

In Portland, prices are up four cents. In Vancouver, prices are up three cents, and in Salem, up two cents this week.

Portland’s average price of $2.948 is only slightly better than what Salem drivers are paying at the pump. The capitol city’s average is $2.952. Motorists in the Eugene/Springfield are seeing an even $3.000 average and the average cost for a gallon of regular in Medford/Ashland is $3.057. The average price for self serve regular in Vancouver, Washington is $3.027.

Oregon's gas prices are now 24th highest in the nation, up from 33rd highest last week, while Washington has the 8th most expensive gas at $3.08, up from 11th last week.

Hawaii continues to have the most expensive gas in the country at $3.47 per gallon, followed by New York at $3.22, Alaska at $3.19, Connecticut at $3.16, and California at $3.12. Missouri has the least expensive gas in the country again this week at $2.79 per gallon.

At this time, 29 states have average prices below $3 per gallon, compared to 30 states last week.

The national average for diesel is holding steady this week at $3.37 per gallon, compared to $2.56 a year ago. Oregon's average is up two cents to $3.32, compared to $2.69 a year ago. Hawaii again has the highest statewide average price for diesel at $3.89.