Gasoline Prices on the Rise Nationwide

Fuel prices, nationwide, on the rise. The biggest jumps are in the Midwest and East Coast areas where demand is high due to increasing numbers of drivers and vehicles on the roads. Crude oil still in mid-$70 per barrel range. OPIS forecasts it could eclipse $80 or more in the next 60 days.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Gasoline prices continue their forward march, and since last week, the national average gained almost 4-cents to $2.97 per gallon. In Oregon, the increase was a bit slower—almost 2-cents per gallon to $2.97. Of the state's four measured metropolitan areas, the greatest increase was in Salem—3 and a half cents per gallon, at $2.93.

Regular gasoline in Portland is selling for $2.93; drivers in Eugene/Springfield are paying $2.98. Medford/Ashland gasoline is currently $3.019 and Vancouver, Washington residents are paying an average of $2.95.

Crude oil continues to trade in the mid-$70 per barrel range. Analysts at the Oil Price Information Service, which provides AAA's fuel information, forecast that momentum, spurred by demand and the increasing number of drivers and vehicles, could push the price of crude to more than $80 per barrel within the next 60 days.

In addition, global political issues and the potential for hurricanes could add more upward pricing pressure. If crude hits $80, OPIS says motorists could see pump prices jump by as much 10-cents to 30-cents per gallon. "Currently, the West Coast is escaping much of the price jumps that we're seeing on the East Coast and in the Midwest," said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. "In the past week, average prices in those regions have risen by as much as 8-cents per gallon. Obviously, consumers must continue to manage their fuel expenses by combining errands, obeying speed limits, avoiding fast stops and starts, and making sure their vehicle is well-maintained." The average gasoline price now exceeds $3 per gallon in 16 states and the District of Columbia. At $2.97, Oregon’s average gasoline price drops to 21st highest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest statewide average price at $3.37. California’s went up to $3.26; Nevada’s is $3.02; Washington’s climbed to $3.07, and Idaho’s dipped to $2.89. South Carolina has the lowest statewide average price at $2.75.

The national average diesel price rose to $2.99 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.27 per gallon; in Washington, it’s up to $3.11; in Idaho, it's down to $3.04; and, in Nevada and Oregon, it's $3.05.

Elliot Eki says motorists must continue to conserve and keep vehicles well-maintained to get the most out of their energy dollars.