National Average Ticks Up after Refinery Issues in the Midwest

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Gas prices have surged in some Midwestern states due to refinery issues and that has put some upward pressure on the national average for regular. Here in Oregon, gas prices are edging lower.

The switch to winter-blend fuel later this week should put downward pressure on pump prices. However, higher crude oil prices could limit declines at the pumps. For the week, the national average rises three cents to $3.84, according to AAA Oregon-Idaho.

The Oregon average ticks down three cents to $4.72.

Gas prices have surged in some Midwestern states due to refinery issues and that has put some upward pressure on the national average for regular. Here in Oregon, gas prices are edging lower. The switch to winter-blend fuel later this week should put downward pressure on pump prices. However, higher crude oil prices could limit declines at the pumps. For the week, the national average rises three cents to $3.84. The Oregon average ticks down three cents to $4.72.

Gas prices have surged in some Midwestern states due to refinery issues and that has put some upward pressure on the national average for regular. Here in Oregon, gas prices are edging lower. The switch to winter-blend fuel later this week should put downward pressure on pump prices. However, higher crude oil prices could limit declines at the pumps. For the week, the national average rises three cents to $3.84. The Oregon average ticks down three cents to $4.72.

Oregon is one of 21 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Iowa (+38 cents) and Minnesota (+37 cents) have the largest weekly jumps and are in the parts of the Midwest that were impacted by refinery issues. Ohio (-10 cents) has the biggest weekly decrease.

California ($5.46) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the seventh week in a row. Washington ($5.06) is second. These are the only two states with averages at or above $5 a gallon. Hawaii ($4.80) is third, Oregon ($4.72) is fourth, Nevada ($4.68)  is fifth, Alaska ($4.60) is sixth, Arizona ($4.39) is seventh, Utah ($4.26) is eighth, Montana ($4.18) is ninth, Idaho ($4.16) is 10th, North Dakota ($4.03) is 11th, and Colorado ($4.00) is 12th. These are the 12 states with averages at or above $4 a gallon, up from 11 states a week ago. This week 39 states and the District of Columbia 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 ($3.27) and Louisiana ($3.36). For the 139th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.20 this week, compared to $2.04 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 24 states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is one cent more and the Oregon average is three cents more than a month ago. Arizona (+37 cents) has the largest monthly jump. Michigan (-28 cents) has the largest monthly drop.

Oregon is one of 35 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is 12 cents more and the Oregon average is three cents more than a year ago. Iowa (+55 cents) has the largest yearly increase. Hawaii (-49 cents) has the largest year-over-year drop.

(Graphic courtesy of AAA Oregon-Idaho)