Even though pump prices continue to ease in Oregon and most states due to cheaper winter-blend gas and relatively low crude oil prices, drivers here on the West Coast might see prices rise again after last week’s refinery fire in Southern California. AAA Oregon/Idaho reports that, for the week, the national average for regular declines three cents to $3.12 a gallon; the Oregon average loses six cents to $4.13 a gallon.
A huge fire broke out at the El Segundo Chevron refinery on Oct. 2. This facility is one of the largest in California, producing about 40% of Southern California’s jet fuel, as well as about 20% of its fuel for cars.
“Having a major refinery like this offline can cause gas prices to rise due to reduced supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “The refinery fire comes about a month after the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. These types of outages can have a tremendous impact on retail gas prices in the West Coast region.”
The fire was contained to one processing unit and no injuries were reported. The full impact of the fire is still being assessed, but the refinery has continued to produce both jet and motor vehicle fuel at a reduced rate.
Another factor that could impact gas prices this season is a major storm. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been less active than some, but the season continues through Nov. 30. Any storm that targets the Gulf Coast can have an impact on the production and distribution of oil and gas.
The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.13. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on Sept. 13 and 14; the lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on Jan. 2.
The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.12. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4; the lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on Jan. 5.
Oregon is one of 42 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Delaware (-12 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Oregon (-6 cents) has the ninth-largest decrease. Texas (+1 cent) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation.
California ($4.65) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the third week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Washington ($4.51) is second, Hawaii ($4.48) is third, and Oregon ($4.13) is fourth. These are the four states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week, 18 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3 range. There are 28 states with an average in the $2 range this week.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.59) and Mississippi ($2.68). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since Jan. 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.
The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.07 this week, compared to $2.02 a week ago.
Oregon is one of nine states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is eight cents less and the Oregon average is six cents more than a month ago. This is the third largest month-over-month jump for a state in the nation. Utah (+10 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase, while Alaska (+7 cents) has the second largest monthly increase. Colorado (-27 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop.
Oregon is one of 11 states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is five cents less, while the Oregon average is 46 cents more. Oregon has the second largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+48 cents) has the largest increase. Colorado (-40 cents) has the largest yearly drop.
The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation, with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10, as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occur, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.
Last week’s refinery fire at the Chevon El Segundo refinery in Southern California could cause prices in the region to rise, depending on how long the reduced production lasts.
As mentioned, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the third week in a row. Washington is second – it held the top spot for one week in September due to the outage of the Olympic Pipeline. Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona round out the top seven. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 20th week in a row.
Four of the seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases: Oregon (-6 cents), Washington (-4 cents), Arizona (-3 cents), and Alaska (-2 cents). California (+1 cent), Hawaii (+1/2 cent) and Nevada (+4/10 of a cent) have small increases.
For the week, the national average for diesel slips two cents to $3.68 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average ticks down one cent to $4.47. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.57 and the Oregon average was $3.89.
