C.O. gas prices dip below $2; first time in years

On Tuesday, the price of a gallon of unleaded dropped under $2 on the High Desert for the first time in years, making for smiles of relief at the pump.

Locally, you find it at $1.98 a gallon at Fred Meyer in Bend.

“Outstanding,” one driver said.

Another added, “I think it’s good for the economy, puts money in people’s pocket.”

A trip to fill the tank just got a lot less expensive.

“Glad it’s gone down, because back when it was up to $5 I was like, ‘Geez, better not go anywhere because that’s too expensive.'”

Another added, “Feels good to get lots of gas.”

This time last week, 18 states were under $2 a gallon. Now it’s at 25 states.

“Now the question is, will it stay low?” said Cecilia Lee, AAA Oregon/Idaho travel and operations manager in Bend.

Normally, it wouldn’t.

Considering this is the lowest it’s been in 6 years, it’s safe to say this year is anything but normal.

“In the springtime, gas prices go up 30 to 50 cents a gallon in a normal year. This has not been a normal year.

In Oregon, the cost of gas has consistently dropped for the past 56 days. Tuesday was no exception.

“Global supply is out pacing demand right now. We in the US and Canada right now have really increased production,” Lee said.

OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, said when prices dropped that they would not stop production.

“Now what’s going to happen to U.S. production? Can they keep their costs down to keep up with production?” Lee said.

With the increase of drivers expected as the tourism season nears, it may be tough.

But now that there is more competition, AAA says gas prices are likely to stay low.

“We predict it will stay under that $3 a gallon,” Lee said.