Monday March 18, 2024
SNc Channels:

Search
About Salem-News.com

 

Jun-03-2008 15:25printcomments

Oregon Average Surpasses $4 a Gallon, Remaining Above National Average

The national average for regular unleaded has set record highs on 26 of the past 27 days, but now seems to be stalling at just under $4 per gallon. Here in Oregon, we have crossed the $4 threshold, and, in fact, all of our measured areas are several cents above that mark.

Photo of Salem gas prices this week by Crystal Young for Salem-News.com
Photo of Salem gas prices this week by Crystal Young for Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Gas prices have traditionally peaked just before Memorial Day and then have gradually declined over the summer. This year is likely to be different.

"The record run-up in gas and diesel prices continues as we enter the month of June. The national average has posted a new record high on 26 of the last 27 days. Monday's average was the same as Sunday's, which was the first time since May 7th that the price didn't go up overnight." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said.

"The statewide average for regular unleaded in Oregon shoots up 13-and-a-half cents this week to $4.10, and averages in all of Oregon's measured metro areas and Vancouver, WA are now above $4 per gallon."

She says Oregon and Washington are among 13 states, including Washington D.C., with averages for regular unleaded at or above $4 per gallon. Traditionally Dodds says, gas prices peak just before Memorial Day and then back off during the summer months. "But with the price of crude remaining high, we likely won't see significant relief at the pumps in the next couple weeks," she added.

Crude oil prices have come down slightly from the record high of $135 set on May 22nd. A barrel today is trading at about $126. That's up from about $65 a barrel in June of 2007. Growing worldwide demand for oil and a weak dollar are the major factors behind the surge in crude oil prices.

Prices at the pumps continue to be much higher than they were a year ago. The national average was $3.21 last year, while Oregon's average was $3.37. And prices have gone up dramatically in just the past month. In early May, the national average was $3.61, while Oregon's average was $3.66.

Salem’s average for regular came out at $4.058 this week, with Portland drivers paying $4.096 per gallon. On the Eugene/Springfield area motorists are paying an average of $4.137. Farther south in Medford/Ashland, a gallon of regular is selling for $4.134. In Vancouver, Washington, regular is going for $4.130.

Oregon's gas prices are 8th highest in the nation, up from 15th highest last week. California has the most expensive gas in the country this week at $4.27 a gallon, followed by Connecticut at $4.26, Alaska at $4.25, New York at $4.18, and Washington at $4.15. South Carolina has the least expensive gas in the country this week at $3.80 per gallon.

The price of diesel is holding fairly steady this week. The national average increases one cent to $4.78 while Oregon's average decreases a penny to $4.79. Diesel averages are above $5 per gallon in three states, up from two last week. California has the highest statewide average price for diesel again this week at $5.13, followed by New York at $5.10, Hawaii at $5.05, Connecticut at $4.99 and Pennsylvania at $4.94. Oregon's diesel prices are the 20th most expensive, down from 16th last week. A year ago the national average for diesel was $2.91 and Oregon's average was $2.94.

Source: Oregon AAA




Comments Leave a comment on this story.
Name:

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.


[Return to Top]
©2024 Salem-News.com. All opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Salem-News.com.


Articles for June 2, 2008 | Articles for June 3, 2008 | Articles for June 4, 2008
The NAACP of the Willamette Valley

Special Section: Truth telling news about marijuana related issues and events.

Click here for all of William's articles and letters.

Tribute to Palestine and to the incredible courage, determination and struggle of the Palestinian People. ~Dom Martin



googlec507860f6901db00.html