West Coast spike in gas prices tied to refineries

PORTLAND, Ore. – Motorists across most of the country have been getting a break on gas prices, but not on the West Coast.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Oregon is $4.17. That's up 16 cents from last week.

The average is $4.20 in Washington state and $4.35 in California. Both of those states also had double-digit increases.

Meanwhile, the national average price dropped 5 cents to $3.73.

Analysts say a shortage tied to refinery issues has caused price to spike in the region's wholesale market.

The planned restart of a BP refinery in Washington state failed last week, and five of California's 12 refineries have reduced production because of scheduled maintenance.

Analysts expect the surge in prices to be short-lived as refineries return to normal production.