KUOW

Jul 29, 2023

Washington and Oregon drivers continue to pay more for gas than the rest of the nation as the Labor Day travel weekend approaches.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is around $3.83, according to AAA's data as of Tuesday morning.

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Oregon has the fourth-most expensive gas in the U.S. at around $4.80 a gallon, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports. That is slightly lower than prices in California, Washington, and Hawaii. The Medford region has the highest average price in Oregon at about $4.85, one cent higher than the Portland area. Just over the state border, Vancouver has an average of nearly $5.10.

In Washington, the average price is $5.11. King County is averaging $5.31.

OPB notes that West Coast usually sees the highest gas prices because it's relatively far from oil-producing parts of the country. Nationally, crude oil prices have simmered after a recent increase, largely driven by a cut in Middle East oil production this spring.

Although national prices may be stagnating, drivers should expect a jump closer to Labor Day weekend as more people book flights and plan road trips.

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In Washington state, folks with Labor Day weekend travel plans that include a ferry trip are likely going to have company. Washington State Ferries predicts that 400,000 people will come aboard this weekend, making this summer the busiest since 2019.

Saturday is set to be the peak, but drivers can expect the longest lines and wait times heading westbound to the islands Thursday through Saturday.

Also, long wait times eastbound, Sunday through Tuesday.

As usual be prepared for ferry cancellations or delays due to an ongoing crew shortage, and the possibility of mechanical issue with the aging fleet.

Read Oregon Public Broadcasting's full report here.