Even though pump prices continue to ease in Oregon and most states due to cheaper winter-blend gas and relatively low crude oil prices, drivers here on the West Coast might see prices rise again after last week’s refinery fire in Southern California. AAA Oregon/Idaho reports that, for the week, the national average for regular declines three cents to $3.12 a gallon; the Oregon average loses six cents to $4.13 a gallon.
A huge fire broke out at the El Segundo Chevron refinery on Oct. 2. This facility is one of the largest in California, producing about 40% of Southern California’s jet fuel, as well as about 20% of its fuel for cars.
“Having a major refinery like this offline can cause gas prices to rise due to reduced supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “The refinery fire comes about a month after the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. These types of outages can have a tremendous impact on retail gas prices in the West Coast region.”…