Low Gas Inventories Lead to Higher Prices in West Coast, Rockies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gas prices may be on the way down across much of the country, but those in the West Coast and Rockies regions are feeling a greater pinch at the pump.

AAA reports that the national gas price average is currently two cents cheaper than a week ago, sitting at $2.33 per gallon. Those purchasing gas in Midwestern, East Coast and Southern states are paying two cents less on the week, on average. Those purchasing gas in West Coast and Rockies states, however, are looking at a three-cent increase at the pump, on average.

One of the factors leading to the increase in West Coast states was the solar eclipse Monday. Oregon, which was in the eclipse’s path of totality, saw a 10-cent increase on the week.

The West Coast region also continues to see low gas inventory. The inventories are 3.6 million bbl lower than this time last year, registering under 27 million bbl and making it the region with the second-lowest inventory levels, behind the Rockies. 

As for the Rockies, the region’s gasoline inventory levels have hit a yearly low of 6.3 million bbl. Combined with the seasonal tourism, the low inventory levels have led to gas prices rising 12 cents on average across the region’s states.

Compared to a month ago, the current national average is five cents more per gallon. It is 17 cents more per gallon than it was a year ago.

This week, the lowest average gas prices can be found in South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Missouri and Louisiana, according to AAA.

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