GasBuddy, a website that tracks gas prices, said 12 refineries in the Midwest are in a few state of shutdown due to either planned or unplanned maintenance.
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Complicating the problem is a rise in crude oil prices over the last week.
In the Bellingham metro area the average price for a gallon of gas was $2.39 on Wednesday, October 7, according to AAA Washington’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.
It may be fall and along with the dip in temperatures, gas prices are also pretty low in Wakefield. Refineries need to make repairs and gear facilities to start making winter season fuel blends from the more ozone friendly summer gasoline.
The balance between global supply and demand remains front of mind, and a number of factors are expected to influence global oil prices in the months ahead. “The situation could change in the days ahead as refiners do maintenance”.
Refineries undergoing work now include two in Minnesota, three in Illinois and Ohio, and one each in Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
As is usually the case when gas prices mysteriously rise even when they’ve been forecast to retreat, refinery issues are being blamed for the current increases. AAA estimates that American consumers are spending nearly $350 million less on gasoline per day compared to a year ago. The work may last several weeks or longer, the statement said.
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The gas-tracking company expects prices to climb 10-30 cents per gallon over the next week on both sides of the state line and throughout the Midwest.
