Crude oil cost pushes up gasoline prices
The Portland Business Journal - 10:30 AM PDT Wednesday


Gasoline prices are rising again.

In the past week, the national average gasoline price rose almost 4 cents to $2.97 per gallon. In Oregon, the increase was a bit slower -- almost 2 cents per gallon to $2.97. Of the state's four measured metropolitan areas, the greatest increase was in Salem -- 3.5 cents per gallon.

AAA Oregon attributes the increases to the fact that crude oil continues to trade in the mid-$70 per barrel range. Analysts at the Oil Price Information Service, which provides AAA's fuel information, forecast that momentum, spurred by demand and the increasing number of drivers and vehicles, could push the price of crude oil to more than $80 per barrel within the next 60 days. In addition, global political issues and the potential for hurricanes could add more upward pricing pressure. If crude hits $80, OPIS says motorists could see pump prices jump by as much 10 cents to 30 cents per gallon.

The average gasoline price now exceeds $3 per gallon in 16 states and the District of Columbia. At $2.97, Oregon's average gasoline price drops to 21st highest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest statewide average price at $3.37. California's went up to $3.26; Nevada's is $3.02; Washington's climbed to $3.07; and Idaho's dipped to $2.89. South Carolina has the lowest statewide average price at $2.75.

The national average diesel price rose to $2.99 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.27 per gallon; in Washington, it is up to $3.11; in Idaho, it is down to $3.04; and, in Nevada and Oregon, it is $3.05.

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Crude oil Today $76.72