Oregon gas prices down 3.4 cents in past week

Average retail gasoline prices in Oregon have fallen 3.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.29 a gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,307 gas outlets in Oregon.

This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.97/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Areas of Oregon and their current gas price climate:
Eugene- $2.29/g, down 5.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.35/g.
Salem- $2.26/g, down 3.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.30/g.
Portland- $2.30/g, down 3.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.34/g.

Including the change in gas prices in Oregon during the past week, prices Sunday were 4.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 0.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has decreased 3.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.6 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“The first week of January seems to be on par with prior years,” said Jeff Pelton, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “History has shown that 12 of the past 16 Januarys have yielded the worst demand for the year.

” If Wednesday ‘s EIA report is indicative of things to come in the next three weeks, this January may prove to be no different.

” The tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran while traditionally would cause a rise in oil prices, the times have changed and the incentive now is for the Saudis to pump away and keep Iran’s coffers as empty as they can. Add to the mix the turmoil in the Chinese financial markets which has roiled the US stock market and you should get gas prices which will decline thru the month,” he said.

To see the lowest citizen-reported gas prices in your area of the High Desert, visit KTVZ.COM’s Pump Patrol, fueled by GasBuddy.com.