Gas prices are increasing in nearly half of the states this week, sending the national average for regular slightly higher. For the week, the national average adds a penny to $2.26 a gallon while the Oregon average loses three cents to $2.80. This is the fifth-largest weekly drop in the nation. The Oregon average is now at its lowest price since January 2018.
“The fluctuating national and state gas price averages come alongside an increase in gasoline demand in the U.S. and also reflect the higher crude oil prices we’ve seen in the last few weeks,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “AAA predicts gas prices will hold steady or decrease this week, due to gasoline stocks sitting at their highest level on record at 259.1 million barrels along with reduced demand due to extremely cold weather over much of the Midwest and East Coast.”
Oregon is one of 28 states and the District of Columbia where gas prices are lower week-over-week. Utah (-5 cents) has the largest drop, followed by Kentucky (-5 cents). Idaho (-3 cents) and Oregon (-3 cents) are tied for the fifth-largest weekly drop in the nation. Georgia (+5 cents) has the largest weekly increase. This week two states, Hawaii and California, have averages at or above $3 a gallon, same as a week ago.
Oregon is one of 31 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is two cents less and the Oregon average is 16 cents less than a month ago. This is the eighth-largest monthly drop in the nation. Utah (-24 cents) has the largest monthly decrease. Florida (+8 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase.
The West Coast continues to have the most expensive gas prices in the nation with all of the region’s states landing on the top 10 most expensive list. Hawaii is most expensive for the second week in a row followed by California, Washington, Alaska, Nevada and Oregon rounding out the top six. Oregon is sixth most expensive for the fourth week in a row. While expensive, prices are falling with all state averages moving lower on the week. Arizona (-4 cents) has the region’s largest drop.
