West Coast Prices also Climb due to California Refinery Issues

PORTLAND, Ore., – Gas prices are rising in most states as April begins due to seasonal factors. And the West Coast is also impacted by ongoing refinery issues in California, making prices climb more rapidly in this region. Pump prices typically increase this time of year due to refinery maintenance and the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce. For the week, the national average for regular climbs six cents to $3.20 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps nine cents to $3.84 a gallon.
“Only two of the remaining three refineries in Northern California are operating, causing wholesale prices to spike on the West Coast. Those increases are in addition to the seasonal switch to summer-blend fuel, which can add 10-20 cents a gallon or more,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Summer-blend gas costs more to make because the production process takes longer than winter-blend fuel, and less summer-blend fuel can be made from every barrel of oil.”
For now, the higher pump prices are mostly a result of seasonal factors; however, tariffs have been causing volatility in the markets. The Trump administration says tariffs will go into effect on April 2, and they could impact crude oil prices, which, in turn, would impact retail gas prices.
The Oregon average began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.84, which is the highest price of the year so far. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.