PORTLAND, Ore. — In the last week, average gasoline prices in Portland have fallen 1.2 cents, averaging $3.75 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.
Prices in Portland are 12 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Portland was priced at $2.97 per gallon on Monday, while the most expensive was $4.79 per gallon.
However, gasoline prices are on the rise nationally. Prices have risen 5.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.17 per gallon.
What does this mean for gasoline prices in Portland?
“This is the time of year that we do start to see decreases turn back into increases,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
Nationally, gasoline prices are likely to continue to increase due to several major refinery issues, De Haan said. Plus, companies will begin the switch from a winter-blend fuel to a summer-blend, which is more expensive to produce. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the switch to help reduce emissions from gasoline during the warm summer months.
People can expect to see the biggest gasoline price increases starting in March and April.
"There could be some spikes, some bumps in the road so to speak," De Haan said. "On average, the prices go up from 35 to 85 cents a gallon between mid-February and Memorial Day."
For now, gasoline prices at a few stations in Portland have dropped below $3 for customers paying with cash, including the Astro stations on Southeast Powell Boulevard and Southeast Division Street and at the ARCO on Southeast Belmont Street.
Oregon gasoline prices
In Oregon, the average gasoline price dropped 2 cents, averaging $3.60 per gallon. All counties have averages below $4 a gallon except Curry, which hit $4.24 per gallon. So far, the state has ranged between $3.60 and $3.79 per gallon this year, according to AAA.
“We’ll see more movement in the coming weeks because we’re entering the time of year when pump prices begin their seasonal climb." said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. "But unless a major development shocks the global oil market, gas prices will likely inch up for now instead of rocketing higher."
