Robust demand for gas is sending pump prices higher in many states, and expected work on the Olympic pipeline is causing some hefty increases in Oregon, Washington, and some other West Coast states.
For the week, the national average for regular rises a nickel to $3.59 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps 17 cents to $4.47.
Scheduled work on BP’s Olympic pipeline is expected to start in the next week. This has put upward pressure on wholesale prices in the Pacific Northwest, with the increases being passed on to consumers. The Olympic pipeline runs along a 299-mile route from Blaine, Washington to Portland, Oregon, and transports gas, diesel and jet fuel from four Puget Sound refineries.
“The expected work on the pipeline combined with robust demand for gas are making prices jump here in the Pacific Northwest. With demand for gas in the U.S. remaining above nine million barrels a day for the third consecutive week, it appears that our seasonal surge in driving is getting underway before the official start of summer on June 21,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “At the same time, crude oil prices in the upper $60s and low $70s are helping to temper pump price hikes in many areas.”
Oregon is one of 35 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a week ago. Ohio (+23 cents) has the largest weekly jump. Arizona (- 4 cents) has the largest weekly decrease.
California ($4.90) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 15th week in a row. Washington ($4.83) is second, Hawaii ($4.74) is third, Oregon ($4.47) is fourth, Nevada ($4.29) is fifth, Arizona ($4.26) is sixth, Utah ($4.14) is seventh, and Alaska ($4.04) is eighth. These are the eight states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 41 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. One state, Mississippi ($2.99) has an average in the $2 range this week, same as a week ago.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.99) and Louisiana ($3.12). For the 126th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.
The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.90 this week, same as a week ago.
Oregon is one of 42 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 34 cents more than a month ago. This is the largest monthly increase in the nation. Arizona (-41 cents) has the largest monthly drop.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is $1.42 less and the Oregon average is $1.07 less than a year ago. Indiana (-$1.60) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (-71 cents) has the smallest. A year ago, pump prices were rising rapidly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Big OILOWNS America, lock, stock, and “barrel”.
WA state is up to $4.79/gallon! Outrageous!
I can’t drive anymore! I’m a senior living on SS income and struggling lots! Can’t even buy enough food! Luckily I get reduced rent! I HAVE a BA degree! The Russians and the illegal immigrants receive more help from MY government! I’m very sad and struggling!!!
Kathy from WA
I use to drive fuel tanker out of Moses Lake wa. The fuel I hauled was from a pipeline in MT, went thru Spokane and ended in Moses Lake. My question is how what happens to the Olympic pipeline effec t s our gas prices? Yes we are normally cheaper than the west side of the state, but I believe the carbon tax is the culprit. Hope prices don’t go up when an elk farms on one of the supply lines.