Crude oil prices surge, pushing gas costs higher
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crude oil prices climbed to a four-month high last week, reaching more than 65 dollars a barrel.
Triple-A says the surge was fueled by rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with severe winter storms that disrupted oil production across much of the country.
Those factors pushed gas prices higher in most states, including Oregon. The state average jumped 10 cents to 3.48 a gallon, while the national average slipped slightly to 2.88.
Triple-A reports that oil prices have settled down to start the week, but a seasonal climb could still be ahead.
On the West Coast, refineries are already beginning the transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is tightening supplies and could keep prices elevated heading into spring.
