Salem, Oregon Gas Prices Tick Down; Still Remain Fourth Highest in the Nation
The biggest average price drop in Oregon was in the Medford-Ashland market where prices fell 3-cents over the past week.
(SALEM, Ore. ) — The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline continues to drop in Salem and in other parts of Oregon, but the state still has the fourth most expensive gas prices in the country for the second consecutive week.
In Salem, the average price dropped one cent again this week to $3.82. In Portland-Vancouver the price fell 2-cents to $3.84, while in Eugene-Springfield the price ticked down one cent to 3.84. The biggest average price drop in Oregon was in the Medford-Ashland market where prices fell 3-cents over the past week.
For the week, the national average for regular unleaded remains at $3.43 a gallon while Oregon’s average loses two cents to $3.86 per gallon.
AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, “The Pacific States continue to have the highest gas prices in the nation due to lingering refinery issues. The top five most expensive states for gas are all in this region: Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. On the other end of the spectrum, drivers in the South are paying the least for gasoline. South Carolina has the cheapest average at $3.16 a gallon, which is a savings of $1.11 a gallon in contrast to the nation’s most expensive state, Hawaii.”
September 15 is the day that many parts of the country will begin the switch to cheaper winter-blend fuel. This blend is cheaper to make because it does not need to meet emissions requirements that are in place in many areas to prevent pollution when temperatures are warmer. Gas prices normally head lower during this time; however geopolitical instability, hurricanes or events that disrupt production and/or distribution could still cause temporary spikes in regional prices in the coming months.
Oregon is one of 32 states and Washington D.C. where drivers are paying a bit less at the pump versus one week ago.
The largest drop in retail prices have been in Ohio (-7 cents), Nevada (-3 cents) and New Mexico (-3 cents), compared to four states where prices have jumped by a nickel or more: Illinois (+8 cents), West Virginia (+5 cents), Kentucky (+5 cents) and Indiana (+5 cents).
Most consumers are enjoying month-over-month savings for retail gasoline.
The price at the pump is lower in 44 states, including Oregon, and Washington, D.C. with drivers in 26 states, including Oregon, saving a nickel or more per gallon. The largest declines have been in New Mexico (-11 cents), and Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Arizona, New York and Pennsylvania, where prices are down a dime in the last month.
Oregon is one of only six states where gas prices are more expensive than a year ago. Drivers here are shelling out almost 17 cents a gallon more than a year ago. The price per gallon is discounted by a dime or more in 35 states and Washington, D.C., and consumers in seven states are saving a quarter or more per gallon.
Both the Oregon and national averages are below their year-to-date highs. The national average peaked at $3.70 a gallon on April 28. Oregon’s average reached its 2014 high of $3.99 on July 3.
Global markets have kept a wary eye on geopolitical unrest, particularly in Ukraine and Iraq. However, these developments have had little impact on supply and subsequently the retail price of gasoline.
This week there are two states with regular unleaded at or above $4 a gallon, same as last week: Hawaii and Alaska. For the 33rd week in a row, there are no states with an average below $3 per gallon, and no states within a dime of this mark for the 29th week in a row. However, South Carolina is just 16 cents away from $3.
Hawaii has the most expensive gas in the country for the 98th consecutive week at $4.27, followed by Alaska at $4.02, Washington at $3.86 (down two cents and third most expensive for the second week in a row), Oregon at $3.86 (down two cents and fourth for the second consecutive week), and California at $3.82 (down two cents and fifth for the fourth consecutive week). Idaho is sixth for the third week in a row at $3.74 (down a penny).
South Carolina has the cheapest gas in the country for the 12th week in a row at $3.16 a gallon (same price as last week).
Diesel prices are holding fairly steady in many markets but moving up in the Pacific Northwest.
The national average remains at $3.80 a gallon. Oregon’s average gains four cents to $4.03. Diesel is at or above $4 a gallon in seven states, up from six last week. Hawaii is most expensive at $4.85, followed by New York at $4.13, Connecticut at $4.13, Alaska at $4.11, and Washington at $4.11 (up four cents).
California is sixth at $4.09 (same price as last week). Oregon is seventh for the second week in a row. Idaho is eighth up from 10th last week at $3.94 (up a penny). A year ago, the national average for diesel was $3.94 and Oregon's was $3.95.
Information in this story provided by AAA Oregon and AAA Fuel Gauge Report
