VIRGINIA BEACH — Pacific Northwest drivers, who already pay some of the highest gas prices in the country, saw their state averages surge this past week, according to AAA, meanwhile, the national average for a gallon of regular went up a penny since last week to $3.20.
The advocacy organization said a pipeline outage caused a spike in fuel prices in Oregon and Washington. Up until today, Washington was the state with the most expensive gas for several days, surpassing California, which is bracing for hikes of its own, it added. According to AAA, refinery maintenance this fall is expected to lead to decreased production and higher gas prices in the Golden State.
Even though West Coast drivers are feeling pain at the pump, AAA notes prices remain relatively low in the Plains and the South.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand increased from 8.50 million barrels per day last week to 8.81 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 220 million barrels to 217.6 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.
Locally, the gas price average for the commonwealth Thursday was $2.95 — five cents lower than a week ago and two cents lower than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices decreased six cents to $2.98, which is three cents lower than a month ago and six cents higher than a year ago.
