You can blame most of the increase on the record high price of crude oil, which is hovering around $96 per barrel today.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Three-dollar-a-gallon gas is back across the country." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "The national average increased 15 cents in the past week to $3.02, And Oregon's statewide average jumps six cents to $3.13 per gallon this week.
Nationally we're paying 82 cents more than a year ago, and in Oregon 71 cents more. You can blame most of the increase on the record high price of crude oil, which is hovering around $96 per barrel today. It appears likely that it will reach $100 per barrel by the end of the week."
Portland’s average of $3.092 is the best price in the state; Salem motorists are paying an average of $3.097 for a gallon of regular. Drivers in the Eugene/Springfield $3.162, while Medford/Ashland residents are seeing an average cost of $3.192. Vancouver, Washington drivers are paying $3.183for self serve regular.
Retail gas prices have been slow to catch up with the skyrocketing price of crude, which is up about 39 percent since late August. In addition, oil supplies are tight, the U.S. dollar continues to be weak against other major currencies, and traders are concerned about possible U.N. sanctions against Iran. If these trends continue, the average price of gas could break the record highs set last May before the end of the year.
Gas prices have increased in all four of Oregon's measured metropolitan areas, and in Vancouver, WA. In Portland, prices increased five cents per gallon in the past week. In Vancouver and Salem, prices increased six cents, and in Eugene/Springfield and Medford/Ashland, prices jumped up seven cents.
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Oregon's gas prices are sixth-highest in the nation, down from fifth-highest last week. California has the most expensive gas in the country at $3.29, followed by Washington at $3.21, Hawaii at $3.19, Michigan at 3.18, and New York and Alaska at $3.15. Idaho's average is $3.04, and Nevada's climbs to $3.09. New Jersey continues to have the least expensive gas in the country at $2.82 per gallon.
The price of diesel hits record highs. In the past week, Oregon's average diesel price gained another five cents and currently averages $3.576 per gallon. In the past month, diesel prices in Oregon have shot up 40 cents per gallon. The national average for diesel is currently $3.346, up another 14 cents. Hawaii has the highest statewide average price for diesel at $3.74. In Washington, diesel averages $3.73; California, $3.63; Idaho, $3.65, and Nevada, $3.46.Source: AAA
Gas Jumps up to $3 Nationwide, Oregon is HigherSalem-News.com