Oil Prices Continue Downward Movement Pushing Fuel Prices Lower

Typically with Memorial Day just weeks away, crude oil prices increase, in preparation of the upcoming driving season.  However that is not the case this year.  Marie Dodds with AAA told the Washington Ag Network we have not seen the dramatic increase in fuel prices, that we typically see in mid to late spring.

“Because of this glut of oil on the world market place that continues to put downward pressure not only on crude oil prices, but on retail gas and diesel prices as well.”

So, how much have oil prices dropped in recent months?  Crude prices right now around $49 a barrel, well off from the multi-year high recorded in June 2014 at $114 per barrel.  Because of those relatively stable oil prices, fuel prices have moved very little.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of diesel held steady at $2.53, Washington average dipped slightly to $2.88 a gallon, and Oregon’s average ticked up one cent to $2.69 a gallon.

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

• $2.69 a gallon in the Tri-Cities
• $2.75 a gallon in Yakima
• $2.69 a gallon in Wenatchee
• $2.79 a gallon in Quincy
• $2.78 a gallon in Walla Walla
• $2.68 a gallon in Moses Lake
• $2.56 a gallon in Pendleton

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com