The storm Hilary which battered California and sweltering temperatures across much of the U.S. from Texas to the Great Lakes may impact refinery production.
Crude oil prices have moved a little lower and demand for gas in the U.S. has declined in the last week. But we may see reduced output from refineries which would put upward pressure on pump prices.
For the week, the national average slips a penny to $3.85. The Oregon average adds three cents to $4.72.
Demand for gas is likely to increase leading up to Labor Day. AAA booking data for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises shows Labor Day travel is up compared to last year. Domestic bookings are up 4% and international bookings are up 44%. Find all the details in the AAA Labor Day travel news release.
“Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas are some of the states that have been sweltering in triple-digit heat that is at or near records. All of these states have refineries that may have to again curb production because of the sizzling temperatures,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “In California and the southwest, the storm Hilary and its heavy rains and flooding sent wholesale prices for gas and diesel higher. Today it appears that the five refineries in the Los Angeles area came through the storm without major issues.”
Earlier this summer, extreme heat across much of the U.S. led to refinery outages. When temperatures soar above 100 degrees, refineries can’t operate at peak levels. All refineries in the U.S. are at least 50 years old and many are more than 100 years old. They were not designed to operate in extreme heat. Plus, they’re processing an extremely flammable product.
Higher crude oil prices have also put upward pressure on pump prices. Crude oil prices are up about 6% in the last month. Although prices have dipped a little since rising to $84 a barrel this month, they are still higher than they were for much of the year.
Oregon is one of 19 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a week ago. Arizona (+16 cents) has the largest weekly jump. Iowa (-12 cents) has the biggest weekly decrease.
California ($5.26) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the fourth week in a row. Washington ($5.05) is second. These are the only two states with averages at or above $5 a gallon. Hawaii ($4.79) is third, Oregon ($4.72) is fourth, Alaska ($4.53) is fifth, Nevada ($4.47) is sixth, Arizona ($4.24) is seventh, Utah ($4.23) is eighth, Illinois ($4.13) is ninth, Idaho ($4.12) is 10th, the District of Columbia ($4.04) is 11th, and Colorado ($4.02) is 12th. These are the 11 states and D.C. with averages at or above $4 a gallon, down from 12 states and D.C. a week ago. This week 39 states have averages in the $3-range. No state has an average in the $2 range this week.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($3.31) and Louisiana ($3.41). For the 136th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.
The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.95 this week, compared to $1.85 a week ago.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is 26 cents more and the Oregon average is 14 cents more than a month ago. This is the fourth-smallest monthly increase in the nation. Arizona (+47 cents) has the largest monthly jump. Hawaii (+10 cents) has the smallest.
Oregon is one of 36 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is five cents less and the Oregon average is 11 cents less than a year ago. Hawaii (-53 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (+28 cents) has the largest year-over-year increases.
