Downward Trend in Gas Prices Ends

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The national average for a gallon of gasoline has increased slightly for the last three days, ending a 22-day streak of declining prices.

Oregon’s average has ticked up overnight after falling for 88 of the past 92 days, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho. For the week, the national average for regular slipped half a cent to $2.19, while Oregon’s average held steady at $2.32.

The good news: Both averages are at their lowest prices since mid-February and are the cheapest for this date since 2004, said AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.

“The Midwest has experienced heavy refinery maintenance in recent weeks due to heavier than normal production during the summer months,” she said. “Although some of the planned work is winding down, unplanned outages have further reduced supply and kept prices volatile in the region. This has put upward pressure on the national average.”

There’s more good news for Oregon drivers. For the sixth week in a row, Oregon is out of the top 10 most expensive states. Oregon is 20th down from 19th last week. South Carolina ($1.88) and Alabama ($1.91) have the nation’s lowest averages. A total of nine states are posting averages below $2 per gallon.

Gas prices in Hermiston are averaging between $2.17 and $2.19 per gallon.