Refinery issues have sent gas prices higher in the Midwest, pushing the national average price of gas higher as well, according to a press release from AAA Oregon-Idaho.

In Oregon, pump prices are ticking up. This is the time of year for the seasonal climb in gas prices due to refinery maintenance and the switch to EPA-mandated summer-blend fuel. For the week, the national average for regular rises five cents to $3.28 a gallon. The Oregon average adds a penny to $3.60. In Bend, the average price is $3.53 a gallon.

A major driver of higher gas prices nationwide is a shutdown at the large BP-Whiting refinery in Indiana, which was taken offline after a Feb. 1 power outage. The facility has undergone extensive inspections to assess damage. The shutdown has had an impact on supplies, as the refinery normally processes 435,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This has sent prices higher throughout the Midwest and has also pushed the national average higher.

“This is the time of year that gas prices climb. Refineries typically run the last of their winter-blend fuels, then undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel.

All counties in Oregon except Curry ($4.08) have averages below $4 a gallon. The Oregon average began 2024 at $3.79 a gallon compared to $3.60 Tuesday. The national average started the year at $3.11 and has climbed to $3.28 Tuesday.