Gas prices remain relatively stable as we approach Thanksgiving with most states seeing prices change by a nickel or less on the week. The national average for regular gas has seen small ups and downs this fall, while the Oregon average has been mostly declining since mid-September and is at its lowest price since March. However, an outage at the Olympic Pipeline may send gas prices higher in the Pacific Northwest. For the week, the national average for regular ticks up half a cent to $3.08 a gallon. The Oregon average dips three cents to $3.79 a gallon.
The Olympic Pipeline, the Pacific Northwest’s primary fuel artery, was shut down last week due to a leak near Everett, Washington. BP, the operator of the pipeline, said crews were working to determine the cause. The system consists of two parallel pipelines in the area, which were completely shut down after the product discharge was discovered, according to a company spokesperson. BP says the pipeline resumed limited operations on Sunday. The 400-mile pipeline system carries gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from refineries in Washington State to Portland. An outage on the pipeline in September caused gas prices in Oregon and Washington to soar.
“For now, impacts from the latest pipeline shutdown appear to be minimal but that could change depending on how long the outage lasts,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “So far, the Oregon average has only risen about a cent since the outage occurred. That’s good news for drivers who are expected to hit the road in record numbers for Thanksgiving.
AAA expects record travel for Thanksgiving 2025 with 81.8 million Americans (23.9% of the population) including about 1.17 million Oregonians heading over the river and through the woods for turkey and all the trimmings. This is a 2% increase over last year. Nearly 90% of travelers will drive, more than 7% will fly, and the rest will go by bus, train or take a cruise. Find all the details in the AAA Thanksgiving travel news release.
The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.79. 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 $3.08. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.036 on October 19 and 20.
This week two Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to four a week ago:
Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline demand increased from 8.87 million b/d to 9.03 million b/d for the week ending November 7. This compares to 9.38 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 206 million barrels to 205 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.9 million barrels per day compared to 9.8 million 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.