U.S. demand for gasoline shot up in the last week which would usually translate to fairly large gains in pump prices. Most states, however, including Oregon are seeing minimal increases.
For the week, the national average for regular ticks up a penny to $2.40 a gallon. The Oregon average also adds a penny to $2.69. In Hermiston, the average price is around $2.38.
“Drivers continue to see pump prices rise but at a slower rate than the past few weeks. Part of that is due to relatively stable crude oil prices throughout January,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “However, if demand continues to grow, we can expect pump prices to move higher.”
Oregon is one of 43 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a week ago. Nebraska (+5 cents) has the largest weekly increase. Indiana (- 5 cents) has the largest weekly decrease.
The cheapest gas in the nation can be found in Mississippi ($2.10) and Texas ($2.11). For the third week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.
Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is 15 cents more and the Oregon average is 10 cents more than a month ago.
