The national and Oregon gas price averages are at their highest levels since the fall of 2014. For the week, the national average for regular holds steady at $2.81 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps four cents to $3.24. Both averages are at their highest prices since October 2014.
“The fast rate at which gas prices were rising may be moderating. This week the national average held steady and 12 states remained flat or saw decreases. AAA says pump prices could jump another dime through Memorial Day then be fairly steady for the summer months, barring unforeseen events,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
One wildcard is if the U.S. pulls out of the Iran nuclear deal. This could send pump prices higher because it would make it more difficult for Iran to sell its oil on the global markets, creating tighter international oil markets. It could also increase tensions in the Middle East, possibly leading to supply disruptions. This week crude oil prices climbed above $70 a barrel for the first time in four years on reports that President Trump would likely decline to recertify the Iran nuclear deal.
Oregon is one of 38 states and the District of Columbia reporting week-over-week increases. The largest jumps are in Wyoming (+6 cents) and Indiana (+5 cents). Oregon has one of the largest weekly increases of four cents, which is the fourth largest in the country. Michigan has the largest weekly decrease of nine cents.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have higher prices than one month ago. The national average is 15 cents more and the Oregon average is 14 cents more than a month ago. This is the 32nd largest monthly increase in the country. Utah (+31 cents) and Connecticut (+24 cents) have the largest monthly gains.
The West Coast still has the most expensive gas prices in the nation with six of the top ten states in this region. California is most expensive for the second week in a row, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Alaska, Nevada and Oregon. Oregon is sixth most expensive for the fourth week in a row. This week nine states have averages at or above $3 a gallon, same as last week.
