Retail gas prices are rising in most states but not Oregon as refineries gear up for spring gasoline production and maintenance season. For the week, the national average jumps six cents to $2.40 a gallon. The Oregon average remains at $2.74. The Oregon average is at its lowest price since May 2017.
In Hermiston, the average price of a gallon of gas is under $2.50.
Even with the increases, gas prices are on average 11 percent cheaper than the first two months of 2018, due in part to mostly cheaper crude oil prices so far this year. Drivers can fill up for $2.50 or less at about 80 percent of gas stations across the country.
Oregon and Arizona are the only two states where gas prices are flat week-over-week. 41 states and the District of Columbia have seen pump prices climb with seven states showing double-digit increases. New Mexico (+13 cents) and Florida (+13 cents) have the largest weekly increases. Alaska (-3 cents) and Michigan (-2 cents) have the largest weekly decreases. This week two states, Hawaii and California, have averages at or above $3 a gallon, same as a week ago.
Oregon is one of 11 states with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 13 cents more and the Oregon average is seven cents less than a month ago. Utah (-20 cents) has the largest monthly decrease. Wisconsin (+29 cents) and Illinois (+28 cents) have the largest month-over-month increases.
