The national and Oregon averages are both at their highest prices of the year so far and are expected to keep rising this spring.
For the week, the national average for regular unleaded jumps six cents to $2.39 a gallon, while Oregon’s average adds two cents to $2.75, says AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.
“The national and Oregon averages are both at their highest prices since September 2015,” Dodds said. “Higher crude oil prices, the seasonal switch to cleaner burning and more expensive summer-blend fuel and increased driving demand are all pushing pump prices higher.”
Oregon is one of 44 states and the District of Columbia to see prices rise this week. The largest weekly increases are in Vermont, Idaho and Delaware where prices went up six cents. The states to see decreases are Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Florida.
Oregon is one of 48 states and the District of Columbia to see prices increase in the last month. The largest monthly increases are in Texas (+18 cents) and Kentucky (+17 cents). The national average is 11 cents more and the Oregon average is eight cents more than a month ago. The only states to see prices fall month-over-month are Utah and Hawaii, and both have decreases of five cents or less.
Gas prices on the West Coast remain the highest in the country with six states in the region topping the list of most expensive U.S. markets: Hawaii, California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Nevada. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the seventh week in a row. This week California moves above the $3 mark and AAA expects other states in the region to top $3 in the coming weeks.
