Gasoline Price Decline Continues at Slower Pace

Gas prices still moving downward, but a bit slower than in previous weeks. Fourth of July demand could stall or reverse downward trend.

Photo by: Bonnie King

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Gasoline prices across the nation continue their retreat, but at a slower pace than in previous weeks. In the past seven days, the national average dropped almost three cents per gallon to $2.98; in Oregon, the average price declined by only four cents to $3.08.

Salem’s average cost of $3.00 is Oregon’s lowest. Portland drivers are paying an average of $3.02 and Eugene/Springfield motorists are seeing an average price $3.04. Medford/Ashland area residents are paying an average of $3.20. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Vancouver, Washington is $3.08. While Oregon’s price is dropping, the statewide average can be a bit deceiving, says AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. "In the Portland metropolitan area, consumers will find prices as low as $2.83 per gallon, so motorists should shop around for the best price."

With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, fuel pricing will be tested in coming days. AAA's annual holiday survey projects a record high 41 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the fourth, even though it falls midweek. According to the survey, 35 million plan to travel by automobile, and that will increase fuel demand, which could stall or reverse the downward trend in pump prices.

Before Americans hit the road for the holiday, they should log on to aaa.com and go to the AAA Fuel Price Finder. There, they can compare gasoline prices at more than 80,000 service stations nationwide.

Oregon and South Dakota have the 16th highest statewide average gasoline price in the nation at $3.08. Hawaii tops the list at $3.41, followed by Connecticut at $3.20 and New Mexico at $3.21. California's statewide average price, $3.19, ranks 4th highest. Idaho's average price is $3.16, Nevada's is $3.14 and Washington's is down to $3.11. Twenty-nine states now have average prices below $3, with South Carolina the lowest at $2.78. The national average diesel price inched up to $2.91 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.18 per gallon; in Washington it's $3.02; in Idaho, it's $2.94 and in Nevada it's $3.06. Oregon's average diesel price held steady at $2.88.

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While I believe that most ethanol supporters mean well, they should research the costs involved. It is a scam costing us far more than it returns.

• corn requires 29 percent more fossil energy than the fuel produced;
• switch grass requires 45 percent more fossil energy than the fuel produced; and
• wood biomass requires 57 percent more fossil energy than the fuel produced.

It is about time prices are finally going lower. Sure hope E85 catches on. Will be good to have an alternative to the usual kind of gas that will eventually run out.

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