PORTLAND, Ore. — Traveling this Labor Day weekend? Drivers in Oregon can expect to pay less at the pump, with the state's average dropping to its lowest price this week since February.
The Oregon average fell five cents to $3.80 a gallon, compared to the national average of $3.35 a gallon, according to Marie Dodds with AAA. At this time last year, the Oregon average was around $4.76, with Portland slightly higher at $4.81.
As of Thursday, Dodds broke down the big difference between prices now and a year ago to date.
“Our average is 97 cents a gallon less than it was a year ago," said Dodds. "Oregon has the largest year-over-year drop in the nation."
Dodds pointed to the mild demand for gas, an increase in gasoline production and relatively stable oil costs as factors for this week's lower cost.
Overall, many other factors also contribute to the decrease, which has mostly improved in comparison to last year.
“Last year, we saw some price spikes due to various outages, refinery outages, pipeline outages, and we had several instances where prices just went crazy,” she said.
Although there is still a risk of prices increasing due to global events like tensions in the Middle East or hurricanes affecting production, things should continue to improve as the switch from summer blend to winter blend fuel takes place, starting in September.
For those hoping prices will drop below $3.00, Dodds said although it's not impossible, it's not likely.
"Will we get below $3.00 a gallon here in Oregon? You know, our current average is $3.79, that's a long way to fall, so I wouldn't bet on it, but I wouldn't not bet on it either," she said.
She said this holiday compared to previous ones could possibly break travel records — however, compared to other summer holidays, it's just not as popular travel-wise.
Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy agreed.
"Labor Day tends to be the least-traveled summer holiday. Not to say the roads aren't going to be very busy, they likely will, but it probably won't be quite as bad as July Fourth and Memorial Day," he said.
He said Friday and Monday are likely to be the busiest travel days.
De Haan also had some tips for those who are traveling to get the best deal for their gas.
"Check ahead of when you leave the state whether the cheaper gas prices are in the state you're in, or if they're across the border," he said, "because state boundaries can have a major impact in gas prices, especially between Oregon and Washington."
To save gas, you can also set your cruise control at or slightly below the speed limit to increase the miles used out of each tank if driving a distance is in the future.
Despite the dip in price, Oregon currently ranks fifth in the country for most expensive prices this week, only surpassed by Nevada ($3.97), Washington ($4.18), California ($4.61) and Hawaii ($4.66). The West Coast tends to have higher transportation costs than the rest of the U.S., AAA said, due to tight supplies, consuming roughly as much gas as is produced, and being located far from where oil drilling, production and refining occur.
Airport travel
While the TSA predicts it will be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record nationwide, the Port of Portland said it will not be the busiest Labor Day on record for the Portland International Airport (PDX).
“For domestic travel. It's up about 9% compared to last year. So wherever you're going, however you're flying, expect lots of company, and we're seeing road trips being the dominant mode," said Dodds.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, nearly 270,000 people are expected to travel through PDX. That's up 7% over the same period last year. The busiest travel day appears to be Friday, Aug. 30, when more than 59,000 travelers are expected.
Two days earlier this summer saw more travelers, the Port of Portland said. Both June 16 and Aug. 11 rank no. 7 and no. 5 on the list of the top 10 busiest days at PDX.
Flyers are recommended to arrive at PDX two hours before their flight.