Pump prices have steadily climbed in the last three months and Oregonians are paying, on average, 43 cents more per gallon since early May. The Oregon average rises this week three cents to $3.74.
Nationally, drivers are paying an average of 28 cents more since early May. The beginning of August will likely be as expensive as July. For the week, the national average for regular adds two cents to $3.18 a gallon.
The Oregon average was $3.31 three months ago on May 3, while the national average was $2.90.
“Pump prices in August could prove to be even more expensive if crude oil prices rise,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “An increase in global crude production is expected this month as OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has said they will increase their crude output. However, even with the additional supply, global demand could outpace global supply and keep prices high.”
Demand for gasoline in the U.S. remains high at about 9.3 million barrels per day, just slightly lower than the 9.6 million barrels per day consumed in July 2019, prior to the pandemic.
With most states seeing the number of COVID-19 cases rising, that could have an impact on travel and consumption. Visit AAA.com/covidmap for an interactive map with the latest travel information. Find AAA’s latest COVID-19 information for travelers here.
Quick stats
Oregon is one of 48 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a week ago. All increases are six cents or less. Nevada (+6 cents) and Montana (+6 cents) have the largest weekly increases in the country. West Virginia (-1/2 cent) and Ohio (-4/10ths of a cent) are the only two states with weekly declines.
California ($4.38) and Hawaii ($4.09) continue to have the most expensive gas prices in the country and are the only states with averages above $4 a gallon, and 34 states and the District of Columbia are above $3, up from 31 states and D.C. a week ago.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.79) and Louisiana ($2.82). For the 30th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.
Oregon is one of 47 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is six cents more and the Oregon average is 10 cents more than a month ago. This is the ninth-largest month-over-month increase in the nation. Idaho (+31 cents) has the largest monthly increase in the country. Ohio (-3 cents) has the largest month-over-month decrease.
The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with every state in the region except Arizona in the top 10.
