Fuel Prices Remain High Ahead of Memorial Day

The temperature isn't the only thing moving higher this time of year. Fuel prices across the Inland Northwest, and the U.S continue to market higher. The national average for a gallon of diesel increased five cents in the past week to $3.18, while the Washington average increased four cents to $3.53 a gallon, and Oregon's average increased five cents to $3.18.

Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com said there are several pressures keeping those fuel prices high. First the cutbacks by OPEC have lowered the international oil inventory to figures closer to the five year average. Unrest in Venezuela is weighing on the minds of investors. And while they have yet to create a ripple, the U.S. pulling out of the Iran Nuclear deal could push oil prices higher.

In case that wasn't enough, DeHaan says while hurricanes typically don't play a factor until July or August, it looks like Hurricane season is already on the minds of those in the fuel industry.

"But already we're starting to see some signs that yes, it's going to be above average. In fact there is one minor disturbance south of the Gulf of Mexico that could potentially become something more organized. This is certainly a sign that it could be a busy season, and the season is still about two weeks away from beginning."]

DeHaan said he expects prices to remain high for the next couple of weeks.

Here are some of the lowest diesel prices we could find across the region: