Salem-News.com (Apr-01-2008 06:45)

Oregon Gas and Diesel Prices Fall Slightly

Kevin Hays Salem-News.com

However there are fears that gas and diesel prices could go over $4 a gallon before Memorial Day.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Gas and diesel prices in Oregon are continuing their downward trend.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the state dropped another 3-cents over the past week to $3.40, while average diesel prices fell only a penny to $3.97 a gallon.

In Salem, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is down 3-cents to $3.35. In Portland the price fell just 2-cents to $3.38, while in Medford-Ashland the price was a penny lower at $3.48. The average price in Eugene-Springfield stayed the same at $3.46 a gallon.

The national average also fell slightly over the past week, dropping 2-cents to $3.28 a gallon. However, that still 12-cents higher than one month ago, and 63-cents higher than one year ago. Hawaii still has the highest average price at $3.65, followed closely by California at $3.64 a gallon. New Jersey had the cheapest average price at $3.04 a gallon.

California has the highest average diesel prices at $4.20 a gallon, while Oklahoma had the cheapest average price at $3.84.

In Oregon, average diesel prices are:Eugene-Springfield - $4.03 Salem - $3.97Portland and Medford-Ashland - $3.98

Oil fell $4.04 Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It traded as high as $106.78, and closed at $101.58 a barrel.

Analysts fear that average gas prices could vault close to $4 a gallon as Memorial Day (May 26th) approaches, and as refineries make the shift over to more expensive summer-grade fuel.

Reporters note: All prices from AAA daily fuel gauge report

Oregon Gas and Diesel Prices Fall Slightly

Salem-News.com