The national and Oregon averages for a gallon of gasoline are both at their highest prices of the year so far and will keep climbing this spring.
For the week, the national average for regular unleaded jumps six cents to $2.39 a gallon, while Oregon’s average adds two cents to $2.75, says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.
“The national and Oregon averages are both at their highest prices since September 2015,” Dodds said. “Increased driving demand, the switchover to more expensive summer-blend gasoline and higher crude oil prices are putting upward pressure on pump prices.”
Oregon is one of 48 states and the District of Columbia to see prices rise this week. The largest weekly increases are in Florida (+12 cents) and Michigan (+11 cents). The only two states where prices went down week-over-week are Utah (-2 cents) and Idaho (-1 cent).
Oregon is one of 45 states and the District of Columbia to see prices increase in the last month. The largest monthly increases are in Ohio (+21 cents) and Indiana (+21 cents). The national average is two cents more and the Oregon average is seven cents more than a month ago. The only states to see prices fall month-over-month are Idaho, Utah, Hawaii, California and Montana. All saw decreases of five cents or less.
Gas prices on the West Coast remain the highest in the country with six states in the region topping the list of most expensive U.S. markets: Hawaii, California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Nevada. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the sixth week in a row. AAA expects other states in the region to join Hawaii in topping $3 a gallon by July.
