Pump prices are ticking up in about half of the states this week due to strong demand and higher crude oil prices.
For the week, the national average for regular holds steady at $2.85 a gallon. The Oregon average gains half a cent to $3.32.
“Demand for gasoline this summer remains very robust, driving gas prices higher along with rising crude oil prices,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Oregon is one of 26 states and the District of Columbia reporting week-over-week increases. The largest are in Delaware (+9 cents) and Maryland (+3 cents). The largest weekly decreases are in Michigan (-7 cents) and New Mexico (-3 cents). This week 13 states have averages at or above $3 a gallon, same as a week ago.
Oregon is one of 46 states and the District of Columbia where prices are lower than one month ago. The national average is six cents less and the Oregon average is two cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the 43rd-largest monthly decrease in the country. New Mexico (-12 cents) has the largest monthly decrease, while Wyoming (+5 cents) has the largest monthly increase.
The West Coast continues to have the most expensive gas prices in the nation. Hawaii is most expensive for the fifth week in a row with California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Nevada rounding out the top six. Oregon is fifth for the third consecutive week.
