Jul. 19—Drivers in Oregon are seeing the first significant price break in several months at gasoline stations.
The global price of crude oil has fallen about 20% in the last month, putting downward pressure on gas prices. All 50 states are seeing decreases at the pumps, despite an increase in demand for gasoline.
For the week, the national average for regular drops 14 cents to $4.66 a gallon. The Oregon average loses nine cents to $5.38.
"Crude oil reached a recent high of $122.11 per barrel on June 8, and today is trading at the recent low of $97 per barrel," AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. "The drop in price is driving lower pump prices, even with a rise in demand seen ahead of the robust July 4th travel period."
AAA projected record car travel for the holiday, with 42 million Americans driving to their Independence Day destinations.
Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 53% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 12% is refining, 21% distribution and marketing, and 15% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Crude prices remain higher than a year ago due to tight global supplies. A year ago, crude was around $74 per barrel compared to $97 today.
Demand for gasoline in the U.S. rose ahead of the July 4th holiday from 8.92 million b/d to 9.41 million b/d. Total domestic gas stocks decreased by 2.5 million bbl. for the week ending July 1, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Typically, an increase in demand and a decrease in supply would put upward pressure on pump prices; however, falling oil prices have contributed to lower pump prices.
Quick stats
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a week ago. Texas (-19 cents) has the largest weekly drop. Hawaii (-1 cent) has the smallest.
California ($6.06) is the most expensive state in the nation and is the only state to ever have an average above $6 a gallon. There are nine states, including Oregon, with averages at or above $5, down from 10 states a week ago. All states have averages at or above $4 a gallon.
The cheapest gas in the nation is in Georgia ($4.16) and South Carolina ($4.16). No states have averages below $3 a gallon. For the 79th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.
Oregon is one of 46 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 36 cents less and the Oregon average is 16 cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the 5th-smallest monthly decrease in the nation. Indiana (-52 cents) has the largest monthly drop. Utah (+16 cents) has the largest month-over-month gain.