Gas prices are in the winter doldrums in most states, including Oregon, this week with minimal changes in their averages.
This is likely due to winter weather which can impact demand, refining operations and gasoline distribution. Some states with extreme weather have seen prices climb.
For the week, the national average for regular inches up a cent to $3.08 a gallon. The Oregon average dips three cents to $3.64.
“We normally see the lowest gas prices of the year in December and January, and this pattern is holding firm this year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Gas prices will likely stay close to their current prices for the next couple of weeks, if crude oil prices don’t rise.”
The national average is at its lowest price since June 2021. The Oregon average is at its lowest price since July 2021.
Almost all Oregon counties have averages below $4 a gallon. The only counties with averages at or above $4 are Coos and Curry counties.
Gas prices normally rise in the first and/or second quarters of the year. The factors include refinery maintenance season, the normal seasonal growth in demand, and the switch from winter-blend fuel to summer-blend, which is more expensive to produce. Summer-blend gas helps reduce emissions from gasoline during the warm summer months. More info on summer- and winter-blend gasoline can be found at the EPA website.
Oregon is one of 30 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Ohio (+22 cents) has the largest week-over-week gain. Idaho (-9 cents has the biggest weekly drop. The average in Georgia is flat. Only two states have seen prices change by 10 cents or more in the last week.
Hawaii ($4.67) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the second week in a row. California ($4.50) is second. These are the only two states with averages at or above $4, down from three states a week ago. This week, Washington ($3.97) is third, dropping below the $4 mark. This week 21 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. Twenty-seven states have averages in the $2 range this week.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.58) and Colorado ($2.63). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold.
The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.10 this week, compared to $2.11 a week ago.
Oregon is one of 44 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents less and the Oregon average is 18 cents less than a month ago. This is the seventh-largest monthly drop in the nation. Idaho (-30 cents) has the largest monthly drop. Ohio (+21 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase.
Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 34 cents less and the Oregon average is seven cents less than a year ago. Colorado ($1.03) has the largest yearly decrease. California (+5 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.
