Northwest drivers will be paying the highest gas prices on record for summer's last hurrah getaway, AAA warned.
Northwest drivers will pay the highest gas prices on record for summer’s last-hurrah getaway, AAA warned.
As of Thursday, the average price for regular unleaded gas in Oregon was just shy of $5 per gallon at $4.99, up 4 cents in one day and 23 cents over the past week.
The pain at the pump is even worse in Washington, where regular unleaded averaged $5.47 per gallon, up 3 cents in one day and 20 cents from last week.
Washington gas prices are the second-highest in the country, while Oregon’s are the fourth-highest, according to AAA data.
AAA spokeswoman Marie Dodds said several factors are contributing to higher prices in the region.
Dwindling supplies of summer-blend gas, as well as reports of possible operational issues at the Olympic Pipeline, are contributing to the spike.
The war against Iran, now more than six months old, is the biggest factor of all.
Dodds said that when the war began Feb. 28, Oregon’s average was more than $1 lower at $3.92 per gallon, while the national average was $2.98 per gallon.
By most estimates, 20% of the world’s oil supply travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran and where traffic remains restricted because of ongoing attacks.
The national average currently stands at $4.14 per gallon, and Dodds said that would shatter previous Labor Day gas-price records.
The previous Labor Day record was $3.81 per gallon in 2023.
Travelers face more than higher gas prices. AAA said domestic flights, hotels, cruises and tours are all more expensive this year than in 2025.
The only relief may come from international flights and rental cars, which cost less.
Top regional destinations include Bend, Seattle, Portland, Lincoln City and Newport.
Top U.S. destinations are Anaheim, Las Vegas, Orlando and San Diego. The top international destinations are Vancouver, British Columbia; Rome; London; Dublin; and Paris.
Complete Labor Day travel trends can be found here.
