In the past week, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose by a little more than two cents to $2.81. Oregon′s statewide average, however, rose by more than six cents to $2.88. Hawaii and Alaska currently are the only states with average prices above $3 per gallon, but it′s likely by week′s end, another half dozen or so states, including California and Washington, will join them.
“At a time when gasoline prices are expected to fall, we′re seeing the opposite happening,” said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. “The primary driving force behind the higher prices is the cost of crude oil, which hit record highs last week and continues to trade in the $80 per barrel range.”
In addition, wholesale gasoline gained more than 15 cents per gallon in recent days, so consumers should expect to see pump prices rise a bit more in the coming week despite the increased availability of foreign supplies and declining demand.
While the national average price rose by only six cents during the past month, Oregon′s statewide average gasoline price shot up by about 14 cents in the same time period and is now 11 cents higher than one year ago. Of the state′s four measured metropolitan areas, Portland experienced the greatest weekly average price increase at more than seven cents per gallon.
At $2.88, Oregon and Nebraska have the nation′s 14th highest statewide average gasoline price. Hawaii has the highest average price at $3.20; in the contiguous U.S., North Dakota has the highest at $2.99 followed closely by California at $2.986. New Jersey has the lowest at $2.55. Washington′s average price is up to $2.96, Idaho′s inched up to $2.81, and Nevada′s went up to $2.83. The national average diesel price now stands at $3.06 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.21 per gallon; in Washington it′s $3.19, in Idaho it′s $3.08, and in Nevada it′s $3.06. Oregon′s average diesel price is now $3.05.