Gas prices have fallen for twelve of the past 13 days, bringing today’s national average to $2.17 per gallon.
“Drivers are saving two cents per gallon compared to one week ago, but are paying five cents per gallon more on the month,” says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Manager Matthew Conde. The Oregon average climbs 5 cents to $2.51.
Mid-September marks the beginning of the annual switch to a cheaper-to-produce winter-blend fuel. The change, generally accompanied by reduced demand for gasoline at the close of the busy summer driving season, is expected to push national average gas prices lower as we head into the fall.
“In the short term, Oregon is bucking the trend,” Conde said. “Strong demand in the region is currently pressing on limited supplies, forcing this week’s prices higher.” Unscheduled maintenance projects at Chevron’s Richmond, California refinery and Tesoro’s Martinez, California location are likely contributors to the overall drop in supplies. The region also currently has the highest wholesale price for gasoline, which translates to higher prices for drivers.
Even so, some drivers in the region continue to benefit from significant year-over-year discounts. Only two states nationwide are posting yearly discounts of more than 50 cents per gallon, and both are in this region: Alaska (-73 cents) and Nevada (-60 cents). Oregon’s average price is 17 cents cheaper than a year ago.
Once refinery issues are resolved and supplies are increased, AAA expects Oregon gas prices to begin a slow descent, mimicking the seasonal activity on the national level. However, any additional disruptions to supply could hold prices steady for the time being, or even cause them to increase.
