The national average price of a gallon go gas has increased for eight consecutive days while the Oregon average has fallen slightly.
For the week, the national average for regular unleaded gains a nickel to $2.19 a gallon. The Oregon average slips a penny to $2.40, said AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.
“The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided to reduce production when the group met last Wednesday in Vienna, in an effort to rebalance the global oil supply and raise prices,” Dodds said. “Markets reacted quickly to the production agreement with crude oil gaining 12 percent, which put upward pressure on pump prices. The deal is set to take effect next month.”
Oregon is one of only 10 states where drivers are paying less at the pump week-over-week. Gas prices normally decline this time of year, due to the cheaper winter-blend fuel and reduced demand. However, the OPEC agreement has put the brakes on the normal seasonal declines and may keep retail prices elevated as we approach the holidays.
The West Coast continues to have some of the most expensive gas prices in the country: Hawaii is most expensive followed by California, Alaska and Washington. Oregon falls to seventh after three weeks at sixth. The West Coast also has the dubious distinction of having the only four states in the nation where drivers are paying more than $2.50 on average.
