Retail gas prices are slowly moving lower as the summer driving season tapers off. Drivers in most states including Oregon are seeing small decreases at the pumps.
For the week, the national average for regular loses three cents to $2.83 while Oregon’s average dips two cents to $3.25. Prices in the Hermiston area average around $3.15.
Prices have backed away from their year-to-date highs. The national average reached $2.97 in late May, while the Oregon average remained at $3.35 in late May through early June.
“Consumer demand for gasoline is lower now than in July, putting downward pressure on prices,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “They should continue to fall in the coming weeks, barring unforeseen events, especially with the switchover to winter-blend fuel in September. However, we could see temporary price hikes around Labor Day as folks squeeze in a final summer getaway.
In September, gas stations will start selling winter-blend gasoline. This blend, which is cheaper to produce, contains a fuel that evaporates at low temperatures for vehicle engines to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold.
Oregon is one of 46 states and the District of Columbia where prices are lower now than a week ago. The largest decreases are in Michigan (-11 cents) and Illinois (-7 cents). The largest weekly increase is in Utah (+6 cents). The average in Hawaii is flat. This week 10 states and the District of Columbia have averages at or above $3 a gallon, compared to 11 states and D.C. a week ago.
Oregon is one of 40 states and the District of Columbia where prices are lower than one month ago. The national average is two cents less and the Oregon average is five cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the sixth-largest monthly decrease in the country. Arizona (-7 cents) has the largest monthly decrease, while Idaho (+12 cents) has the largest monthly increase.
The West Coast continues to have the most expensive gas prices in the nation. Hawaii tops the list for the 11th week in a row with California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada rounding out the top seven. Oregon is fifth for the ninth consecutive week.
