Oregon Average Gasoline Price Down; as National Average Inches Forward

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(SALEM) - For the second consecutive week, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline moved forward—going up by almost 3-cents per gallon. The Oregon statewide average, however, dropped almost 3-cents to $3.06. The average price for a gallon of regular in Salem and Portland is $3.02.

Yet, the national average price remains more than 16 cents per gallon lower than the Oregon average. In Oregon's four measured metropolitan areas, Salem recorded a four-and-a-half cent per gallon drop in the average price.

Some concern that Tropical Storm Alberto had the possibility of disrupting Gulf Coast oil operations kept oil prices above $70 per barrel. Now that the storm is passing, prices may start dropping.

"For consumers to see any relief at the fuel pumps, the price of crude will have to move below the $70 mark and stay there for an extended period of time," said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. "With the 4th of July just around the corner, fuel demand could rise significantly or only very slightly depending on whether the holiday is observed as part of an extended 4-day weekend. Oregon`s current statewide price for regular is $3.06. Drivers in the Medford/Ashland area are paying an average price of $3.12, with Eugene/Springfield residents spending a few cents less, with an average price of $3.09 for regular. Vancouver, Washington`s average price for regular is $3.03.

Nationwide, the average price exceeds $3 per gallon in 10 states and the District of Columbia. At $3.06, Oregon`s average gasoline price is 8th highest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest statewide average price at $3.39. California`s dropped to $3.26; Nevada`s is down to $3.09; Washington`s fell to $3.13, and Idaho`s held steady at $2.91. Oklahoma has the lowest average price at $2.69. The national average diesel price went up to $2.97 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.34 per gallon; in Washington, it`s $3.22; in Nevada, it's $3.16; in Idaho, it's $3.17; and, in Oregon, it's down two cents to $3.15.