Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ – News Team

KTVZ News is proud to air several of the top matchups in the NFL and College Football. Below is the latest schedule for this week, which includes Sunday Night Football on NBC.

Friday, September 19th:

KFXO/FOX:  

5:00 – 8:30p: Iowa @ Rutgers

Saturday, September 20th

KFXO/FOX- 

7:00-9:00a: Big Noon Kickoff (pregame talk show)

9:00a – 12:30p: Texas Tech @ Utah

12:30 – 4:00p: North Carolina @ UCF

4:00 – 4:30p: Fox College Football Extra (Football talk show)

4:30 – 8:00p: Arizona St. @ Baylor

8:00 -11:30p: Michigan St @ USC

KTVZ/NBC –

9:00a -12:30p: Maryland @ Wisconsin

12:30 – 4:00p: Purdue @ Notre Dame

4:00 – 4:30p: Big Ten Countdown (Pregame show)

4:30 – 7:59:30p: Illinois @ Indiana

Sunday, September 21st

KFXO/FOX – 

8:00 – 9:00a: Fox NFL Kickoff (pregame talk show)

9:00 – 10:00a: Fox NFL Sunday (pregame talk show)

10:00a-1:00p: Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

1:00-4:30p: Arizona Cardinals @ San Fransico 49ers

4:30 – 5:00p: The OT (Postgame show)

KTVZ/NBC:

4:00-5:15p: Football night in America (pregame show)

5:15-8:30p: Kansas City Chief @ New York Giants

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes Children’s Foundation and Heart of Oregon Corps are once again teaming up to protect Central Oregon families by reducing fire risk at DCF’s East Bend Campus.

Funded through a grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, this project supports the safety of the 10+ nonprofit partners and hundreds of children and families who access essential services at the campus each year, according to the organizations, whose news release continues below. 

The fuels reduction work includes thinning vegetation, clearing brush, and creating defensible space around the campus buildings.These efforts not only reduce wildfire risk but also create a safer and more welcoming environment for families who come to the campus to receive services such as health care, foster care advocacy, and early childhood education. 

“Partnerships like this allow us to create safer, healthier environments for children and families across Central Oregon,” said Cassi MacQueen, executive director of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Heart of Oregon Corps and the Oregon State Fire Marshal for their commitment to protecting our campuses and the families we serve.” 

“At Heart of Oregon Corps, we’re proud to put local young people to work on projects that directly benefit our community,” said Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “This partnership not only protects children and families who rely on these vital services, but also gives our youth meaningful, hands-on job training.”  

The East Bend Campus is one of four operated by Deschutes Children’s Foundation across Central Oregon. Together, these campuses provide the space and support where 23 nonprofit partners serve more than 19,000 children and families each year, saving partners more than $1.4 million annually in overhead costs. 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, adding interviews with pilot, program coordinator, and student pilots)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For many kids, looking up at the sky sparks a dream. The Young Eagles program turns that dream into reality — giving young people their own flight experience, free of charge.

It’s all part of the mission of the Experimental Aircraft Association: to spark a passion for aviation and open doors for the next generation of pilots.

More than 2 million kids across the country have flown with Young Eagles since the program launched in the 1990s. Here in Central Oregon, volunteers dedicate their own time and money to make it possible.

KTVZ spoke with Jeff Stolasz, a pilot for the program, when he returned from a recent flight with a Young Eagle.

“We just did a Young Eagle flight with McKenzie here. And she was super brave… she was actually flying the airplane after we took off,” Stolasz said.

Stolasz’s ‘co-pilot’, Young Eagle McKenzie Goodrich, was excited to share her experience and the connection she has to the program. 

“I just like flying and being in the air. My sister is getting her private pilot’s license this month, and she’s hoping to join the military,” Goodrich said. 

Thomas Wright, Young Eagles coordinator, spoke with KTVZ News about the program. The volunteer efforts are what make it all possible. 

“Everyone here is doing this on their own time,” Wright said. “The pilots, they’re doing it with their own money. And it’s wonderful to see them come out and help this program.”

And the impact goes far beyond a single flight. Students can earn scholarships through the program to help pay for their private pilot’s license — helping to turn childhood dreams into career paths.

“It’s just so gratifying to see kids from all walks of life,” Wright added. “We open the door of opportunity to them… and they’re on their way. They’re going to be pilots.”  

That opportunity is fueling ambition for students across Central Oregon. Three Young Eagles scholars — students who have received scholarships from the program to earn their pilots’ licenses — shared what has fueled their passion for aviation. All point to family members as inspiration. 

Tobann Bionda, a student pilot with Young Eagles, shared how he’s following in his brother’s footsteps.

“My brother and I used to watch Trent Palmer videos, and we just thought it was super awesome. We both wanted to become pilots. He got his pilot’s license two years ago, and I’m just following him,” Bionda said.

Delilah Richards, Young Eagles student pilot, got her love of traveling from the opportunities that came along with her mom’s job. 

“I got involved with flying because my mom works at the airport. I thought, why not have a career where I can just travel all the time? So that kind of just got me involved with flying. And I’ve just always loved it,” Richards said. 

The sister McKenzie Goodrich spoke about after her flight is Young Eagles student pilot and scholar Taylor Goodrich. 

“My dad was a private pilot, he was my initial inspiration,” Taylor Goodrich said. “I’ve joined Civil Air Patrol, and that’s really helped to push me forward in this. Now I’m applying for service academies and Military Service Academy. I want to fly fighter jets for the military, and that’s kind of my end goal.”

From first flights to future careers, the Young Eagles program is giving students a chance to reach both the sky and their dreams.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Teacher of the Year honor announced; background)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, .announced Tuesday morning that Redmond High School English Teacher Mona Mensing is one of Oregon’s 16 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year.

Mensing was honored in a surprise all-school assembly. KTVZ News was there and will have more on tonight’s broadcasts.

Here’s the rest of the announcement:

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon.

Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.  

Mensing was nominated by one of her students, who wrote, “She pushes her students to work their absolute best and helps them achieve their true potential.” They also added, “She makes me feel seen and heard as both a student and a person.” 

The Principal of Redmond High School, Audrey Haugan, touted, “Mona Mensing represents the very best of what teaching can and should be: a profession driven by passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to student success. She is not just teaching English; she is inspiring young minds, fostering critical thinking, and helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, young adults.” 

In her nomination, Mensing noted, “I have always felt like nurturing teenagers in a classroom all day comes with great responsibility to let them know the importance of their world outside.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state.

Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Director of Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor and learn from their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October. Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, more than $4.1 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and over $14.5 million went to Deschutes County. 

“This group of standout Oregon teachers bring their passion for education and leadership abilities to work every day,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the meaningful impact these educators have on our students and communities.”    

On Friday, September 19, once all 16 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Excitement is building at Redmond High School this morning with a special announcement on the way. The school is hosting a surprise reveal for the Regional Teacher of the Year award.

The recognition comes from a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery. It honors teacher excellence through nominations from students, colleagues, and administrators.

Each Regional Teacher of the Year receives a $1,000 cash prize and moves forward as a finalist for Oregon State Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in October.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding video, details)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter Tuesday to the heads of all state agencies, telling them to immediately halt any out of state non emergency travel and to prepare for major budget cuts.

Kotek said in a statement, ” Budget challenges demand that we, as leaders, have the courage to take our best laid plans and put them back on the drawing board as conditions change – to sharpen our pencils, do more with less, and ground ourselves in what matters most.”

The governor listed three actionable items in the statement. First, all agencies should slow operational general and lottery fund spending. Second, Oregon’s chief financial officer will determine reduction targets. Finally, the state will reduce out-of-state travel costs.

This comes after the budget lawmakers passed back in June with a projected surplus of $437 million has now turned into a projected shortfall of $375 million – an over $800 million swing.

Kotek has previously blamed President Trump and the One Big Beautiful Bill for the state’s shortfall, though Oregon Republicans have called out the governor’s and Democrats’ spending.

Read the full letter below:

091625-governors-letter-to-agency-leaders

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The U.S. Postal Service is looking for candidates to provide delivery services along designated routes in suburban and rural areas on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, indoors and outdoors to families across their communities. 

Here’s the full USPS announcement:

Those who attend these hiring events will find a wealth of information on USPS employment within the Bend Sort & Delivery Center (S&DC) and friendly staff to help interested patrons navigate the hiring process,” said Janella Herron, USPS Communications Specialist. 

Career employees can earn premium long-term benefits that complement good pay. Some of the benefits include: 

Multiple health and life insurance choicesPension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan program, similar to a 401(k)Vacation time and sick leave

Current positions:

City Carrier Assistant (CCA)Rural Carrier Assistant (RCA)Starting salary for RCA is $20.85/hr.Starting salary for CCA is $20.73/hr.Both paid bi-weekly. 

Recruitment Office Location:

Bend Sort & Delivery Center2300 NE Fourth StreetBend, OR 97701 

Time:

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Date:

September 18September 25October 2 

As part of its 10-year plan, Delivering for America, the United States Postal Service is focused on building a more stable and empowered workforce.   

The Postal Service offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision, as well as the ability to accrue vacation and sick leave; see online job announcements for full details. 

Each position requires examination requirements, depending on the position, review job announcements for full details.  

At the time of appointment, applicants must have a valid driver’s license from the state in which they live.  

Applicants must also demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. Applicants selected under this qualification standard must successfully complete the required Vehicle Familiarization and Safe Operation training, including demonstration of the ability to safely drive a vehicle of the type used on the job. 

Qualified applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening to meet the U.S. Postal Service’s requirement to be drug-free. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status.

For additional information on how to apply for positions, visit us online at How to Apply for a Postal Service Jobs. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In a heartbreaking case of animal hoarding, 298 dogs were recently confiscated from a property in Ensenada, Mexico, where they were found living in unimaginable conditions.

Most of the dogs were crammed into tiny metal cages, trapped in complete darkness, suffering from malnutrition, untreated injuries, and severe neglect. The scale and severity of the abuse are truly shocking. 

In response, Street Dog Hero, a Central Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs in need, is stepping up to help. In just two weeks, the organization will welcome 10 of the rescued dogs to Oregon, where they will receive critical medical care and begin the journey toward finding loving homes. 

“Rescue is tough everywhere right now,” says Marianna Cox, Founder of Street Dog Hero. “But we couldn’t turn our backs on these dogs. They’ve already gone through so much, and they deserve a second chance.” 

Kelli Delperdang of Street Dog Hero told KTVZ News, “The dogs will be coming to Central Oregon (maybe a few will go to Portland).”

“We have reached out to the Humane Society of Central Oregon as well, offering to take in dogs from their recent hoarding case,” she added, “so once the court order is lifted, we can hopefully take in some of those dogs as well, to be able to help locally as well as internationally.” 

Here’s the rest of Street Dog Hero’s news release:

Street Dog Hero’s mission extends beyond international borders. Just last week, nearly 50 dogs were rescued from a hoarding case in Central Oregon, and Street Dog Hero has reached out to the Humane Society of Central Oregon to offer assistance once a court order is lifted. 

“These heartbreaking hoarding situations happen far more often than people realize,” adds Marianne Cox. “Each of these dogs deserves safety, care, and the chance to live a happy life. That’s what we’re here to provide.” 

To support their efforts, Street Dog Hero is inviting the community to participate in their biggest fundraiser of the year — the 6th Annual Heroes on the Run, a 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Mini-Run event. Funds raised will directly support rescues like the Ensenada case, helping provide veterinary care, shelter, transport, and adoption services. 

Heroes on the Run 2025 

• When: Sunday, September 28th. 9am-2pm 

• Where: Riverbend Park 

• Register at: https://bit.ly/45jOmbk 

• Use code HERO25 for 20% OFF all registrations 

Your participation makes a lifesaving difference. Proceeds will help dogs recover from abuse, find loving homes, and ensure no dog is left behind — no matter where they come from. 

Together, we can give these innocent animals the future they deserve. 

About Street Dog Hero 

For over 8 years, Street Dog Hero has been fulfilling its mission of helping end animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering owned and street dogs and cats around the world. To date, the organization has provided more than 11,495 free or reduced-rate spay/neuter and other wellness services to animals in Mexico, Jamaica, as well as locally. They have also rescued over 3,936 dogs from more than a dozen countries like Mexico, South Korea, China, India, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Armenia and right here in the United States and have found them forever homes. Street Dog Hero is making lasting positive changes in the lives of animals and their humans, working towards a world where all dogs are healthy, safe, cared for, and wanted. Through this work, SDH makes a lasting impact on owned and street dogs and cats and the families that surround them. To learn more about SDH, foster, adopt, volunteer, and donate, go to www.streetdoghero.org.  

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes Historical Museum has just announced an escape room experience based on real local history. Your team of up to six players works together to find clues, solve puzzles and escape The Curse of the Curate’s Collection.

Playing the part of Research Interns, participants assist historian A.R. Chive in locating the missing collection before your rivals do. Oh, and times-a-ticking … you only have 60 minutes on the clock, so every moment is crucial to your escape!

The Story:

In 1909, the Bend Bulletin announced that Rev. J. Anthony Mitchell, local curate and acquirer of antiquities, was “collecting towards a museum” for the community of Bend. After his death in 1911, Mitchell’s relics and curios were frequently exhibited around town, eventually finding a permanent home at the Deschutes Public Library.

However, in 1969, the few remaining items in the collection mysteriously disappeared from a small, locked room in the library’s basement. The only remnants of the once-noted collection, purchased by the public and the city of Bend in 1912 to form a city museum, were never found.

Until now!

The Curse of the Curate’s Collection escape room program will kick off on October 10 and 11, with additional dates throughout the month of October. Tickets go on sale October 1 at deschuteshistory.org.

A fundraiser and membership drive, Escape the Museum is sold as an adventure for six people. Escape the Museum costs $180 for non-members, $150 for members. As a bonus, each non-member purchase receives one free household membership.

Grab your friends, form a team, and get ready to find out the location of Father Mitchell’s collection.

Tickets and more information at deschuteshistory.org or by calling 541-389-1813.

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will be updating fire season restrictions, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The fire danger level for the John Day and Prineville/Sisters Units will be reduced to MODERATE, with Regulated Use Closure being lifted on these two units, which is a result of the recent rainfall.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be reduced to level 2 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County). The Dalles Unit will remain in HIGH fire danger and Regulated Use Closure will remain in effect across Hood River and Wasco counties within the Oregon Department of Forestry District protection boundary, the agency said in a news release that continues below:

These changes to Regulated Use primarily affect ODF-protected lands in: Harney, Grant, Morrow, Gillam, Umatilla, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties. In all counties across COD, locally enforced burn bans remain in effect and should be followed. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. Though there has been widespread rain across the state, firefighters continue to respond to new lightning and human-caused starts. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices in Oregon and Washington are surging due to an outage at the Olympic Pipeline, as well as planned and unplanned maintenance at refineries in Washington and California, but AAA Oregon/Idaho said Tuesday the situation should ease and prices begin falling soon.

Here is this week’s AAA Oregon/Idaho gas prices report:

The Olympic Pipeline carries fuel from Washington state refineries to Portland and was out of operation starting on about September 2. Reports indicate that the pipeline is resuming operations. Meanwhile, maintenance often occurs at refineries ahead of the switch to winter-blend fuel, which can now be sold at Oregon retailers.

For the week, the national average for regular slips about half a cent to $3.19 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps 15 cents to $4.29 a gallon. This is the second-largest week-over-week jump for a state in the nation, behind Washington state, where the average soared 16.5 cents. The Oregon average is at its highest price since May 2024. Bend’s average also rose about 15 cents this week, to $4.19 a gallon.

“Drivers in Oregon and Washington are being hit by a triple-whammy when it comes to gas prices. The outage of the Olympic Pipeline as well as refinery maintenance, created tight supplies in the region, causing wholesale prices to spike. At the same time, refineries were producing the last of the summer-blend fuel before this week’s switch to winter-blend gas.

“Drivers here should get some relief soon, as the Olympic Pipeline resumes normal operations. Also, gas stations can now sell winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce, and can eventually amount to savings of 10 to 30 cents a gallon at the pumps,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline carries refined petroleum products from the refineries in Washington State to distribution terminals in the Pacific Northwest, including Portland. During this month’s outage, fuel was sent by barge, which takes more time and is more expensive. Gas prices in Oregon and Washington shot up as a result. In fact, Washington now has the most expensive gas in the nation, with a current average of $4.66.

The other factor that could still influence gas prices is hurricane season. There’s still the potential of a major storm that could impact production and distribution of oil and gas if a storm takes aim at the Gulf Coast.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently just below $4.29. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.19. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week, 33 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 23 a week ago:

Benton $4.08

Clackamas $4.42

Clatsop $4.37

Columbia $4.40

Coos $4.33

Crook $4.28

Curry $4.42

Deschutes $4.17

Douglas $4.24

Grant $4.49

Gilliam $4.15

Harney $4.49

Hood River $4.30

Jackson$4.37

Jefferson $4.13

Josephine $4.43

Klamath $4.24

Lake $4.35

Lane $4.19

Lincoln $4.12

Linn $4.11

Marion $4.17

Morrow $4.10

Multnomah $4.45

Polk $4.07

Sherman $4.25

Tillamook $4.49

Umatilla $4.05

Union $4.02

Wallowa $4.25

Wasco $4.49

Washington $4.43

Yamhill $4.32

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. decreased from 9.12 million b/d to 8.51 for the week ending September 5, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.48 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 218.5 million barrels to 219.9. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day compared to 9.9 million barrels per day the previous week. 

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California, with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since last September. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies. Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trump’s tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production.

The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $64 today compared to $63 a week ago and $70 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But this year, the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels per day in May and June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 52% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 15% distribution and marketing, and 17% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country rose from 13.42 to 13.49 million barrels per day for the week ending September 5. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 15 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a week ago. Washington (+16.5 cents) and Oregon (+15 cents) have the biggest week-over-week jumps in the nation. Maryland (-11 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. The average in North Dakota is flat.

After six weeks, Washington ($4.66) bumps California ($4.65) as the state with the most expensive gas in the nation. Hawaii ($4.47) is third, and Oregon ($4.29) is fourth. These are the four states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 20 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.70) and Oklahoma ($2.75) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.96 this week, compared to $1.92 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 40 states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents more and the Oregon average is 30 cents more than a month ago. This is the second-largest month-over-month increase for a state in the nation. Arizona (+35 cents). has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation, while Washington (+26 cents) has the third largest monthly increase. Ohio (-20 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 15 states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is eight cents less, while the Oregon average is 38 cents more. Oregon has the largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+51 cents) has the second-largest increase. Utah (-23 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

The pipeline and refinery issues in the region are also impacting pump prices this week.

As mentioned above, Washington bumps California as the state with the most expensive gas in the nation. Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona round out the top seven. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 17th week in a row.

Six of the seven West Coast states are seeing week-over-week increases: Washington (+17 cents), Oregon (+15 cents), Alaska (+11 cents), Nevada (+5 cents), Arizona (+5 cents), and California (+3 cents). Hawaii (-1 cent) is the only state in the region with a week-over-week decline.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 89.2% to 86.2% for the week ending September 5. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked up from 94.3% to 94.9%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region inched up from 30.21 million bbl. to 30.37 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices are up slightly to start this week after attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 424.6 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI gained 32 cents to close at $62.69. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI added 59 cents to settle at $63.30. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $63 a week ago. Crude prices are about $5 less than a year ago. ($70.09 on September 16, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Diesel

For the week, the national average remains at $3.70 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average adds one cent to $4.50. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.60 and the Oregon average was $3.93.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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