Low gas prices may be fleeting in Washington

Nationally, gasoline prices were far lower than Northwest prices throughout the current year. The gap has widened this fall: The difference between the national and Washington averages was 29 cents at this time last year and it’s 43 cents this week.

The U.S. average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline this week dipped below $2 per gallon for the first time since 2009, AAA reported. The statistically minded might quibble with that number: an average price of $1.9979 easily rounds to $2. But no one is complaining.

Of course, a nationwide average reflects a wide range of highs and lows. California’s average is $2.72 per gallon, the second-highest in the nation after Hawaii. Washington’s average is the fourth-highest and Oregon comes in sixth place. The faraway states of Missouri  ($1.77), Oklahoma (1.78) and South Carolina ($1.78) have the lowest prices.

Marie Dodds, government and public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho, said the higher West Coast prices reflect the impact of relatively low Northwest refinery capacity and California’s stringent environmental standards. The West Coast produces about as much gasoline as it consumes, so retailers are forced to buy more expensive gasoline from the wholesale market during unexpected refinery shutdowns or other temporary shortages, Dodds said. In addition, gasoline coming from California refineries is more expensive because of the state’s stricter environmental standards, she said.

The generally lower gasoline prices this year and an improved economy are contributing to increased travel. AAA is projecting a record holiday travel season, with 100.5 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3. That’s a 1.4 percent increase over last year.