Oregon gas prices hit nearly $5 a gallon as spring travel begins, experts offer ways to save
Campbell Porter
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Oregon reached $4.80 on Thursday morning. Prices across the state have risen 95 cents over the past month, putting increased pressure on drivers as the spring travel season begins.
In Central Oregon, prices are currently tracking closely with the statewide average. At the Parkway Chevron in Bend, regular gas was priced at $4.79 per gallon on Thursday, which is one cent below the Oregon average reported by GasBuddy.
Several factors are contributing to the recent price hike at the pump. Fuel costs typically increase as providers switch to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce but required to reduce emissions. This transition is occurring alongside higher seasonal demand as warmer weather encourages more people to travel.
Rising costs are forcing many families to adjust their budgets and look for ways to offset the expense. Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon-Idaho, said that while travelers rarely cancel plans entirely due to high fuel costs, they often reduce spending in other areas.
“What we have found in the past when we have skyrocketing gas prices, as people usually don’t go and outright cancel their trips,” Dodds said. “But they may look for ways to save because obviously they’re shelling out more for gasoline, which means that they have less money to spend on other things. Maybe we’re not going to do spendy things while we’re on vacation or not go out to eat as much.”
Beyond personal travel, rising fuel costs are expected to have broader consequences for the economy. Experts specifically pointed to the rising cost of diesel, which powers the trucks, boats and airplanes responsible for transporting consumer goods. California Forward CEO Kate Gordon and a former senior adviser for the U.S. Department of Energy, noted that these increases will likely be reflected in the price of food and other deliveries.
“People sometimes forget about the impact diesel prices have on our economy,” Gordon said. “Diesel is what’s in trucks and it’s what sent and boats and, airplanes. It’s what sends goods all over the place. So your food is likely coming to you by truck. Your anything you’re ordering off of Amazon is coming to you by truck. Those prices are definitely going up because diesel prices are going up by a lot.”
Experts recommend that drivers plan ahead and compare prices at different stations to find small ways to save. Consumers should expect to feel the impact of these rising costs at grocery stores and other retail outlets throughout the upcoming season.