Gas prices are ticking lower but still remain at least 50 cents a gallon more expensive than last summer in every state. For the week, the national average for regular dips two cents to $2.92 a gallon. The Oregon average also falls two cents to $3.33.
“The higher pump prices compared to one year ago seem to be influencing driving habits. While consumer demand remains strong, it has slowed from levels seen earlier this year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Dropping by 713,000 b/d, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that demand registers – for the first time since mid-January – just under 9 million b/d. This is surprising, as levels have consistently measured above the 9 million mark every week in June since 2015.
Oregon is one of 42 states and the District of Columbia reporting week-over-week decreases. The largest decreases are in Indiana (-12 cents) and Illinois (-8 cents). Only eight states report weekly increases. Utah has the largest (+4 cents). This week 14 states have averages at or above $3 a gallon, down from 15 a week ago.
Oregon is one of 44 states and the District of Columbia where prices are higher than one month ago. The national average is five cents more and the Oregon average is also five cents more than a month ago. Oregon has the 26th-largest monthly increase in the country. South Dakota (+18 cents) and Montana (+18 cents) have the largest monthly gains.
The West Coast continues to have the most expensive gas prices in the nation. Hawaii bumps California out of the top spot, with Washington, Alaska and Oregon rounding out the top five. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the third week in a row.
