Retail pump prices on the West Coast are edging higher due to seasonal refinery maintenance while the national average is moving slightly lower.
For the week, the national average for regular unleaded slips a penny to $2.23 a gallon. The Oregon average climbs three cents to $2.55, says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.
“The West Coast is one of a few regions dealing with planned and unplanned refinery maintenance which is putting upward pressure on pump prices,” Dodds said.
Although gasoline demand typically retreats during the fall due to lower driving demand, continued refinery outages could create volatility and put pressure on the national average in the near term. Refineries undergo maintenance this time of year to coincide with the switchover to the winter-blend fuels. The West Coast is still feeling the impacts of shutdowns at the PBF’s Torrance, California refinery.
Gas prices on the West Coast remain the highest in the country with states in the region topping the list of most expensive U.S. markets: Hawaii, California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the ninth week in a row.
The cheapest prices can be found in Oklahoma ($2.02) and Missouri ($2.02). No states this week have averages below $2 a gallon, same as last week.
Drivers are paying a bit more to fill up compared to one year ago. The national average is currently two cents per gallon more than a year ago. Oregon drivers are paying 22 cents more than a year ago.
