Maintenance on the locks along the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest has been one of the reasons for tighter gasoline supplies in the area, according to a press release from Oregon AAA.

Wholesale prices shot up and those increases are being passed on to consumers in higher retail prices. Work is expected to wrap up by the end of March.

In addition to the lock closures, refinery maintenance, both planned and unplanned, is underway in the San Francisco Bay area. This is also putting a crimp in supplies and contributing to higher prices on the West Coast.

Bend’s average price went to $3.82 from $3.73 a gallon.

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. California switches earlier than other states, and as a result, supplies have tightened in the West Coast region.

“Things have settled down a little since last week, when the Oregon average for regular had the biggest weekly jump in the nation. But drivers can expect rising prices for the next several weeks due to the temporary decrease in supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Demand for gas also rises in March and April due to spring break and milder weather. Growing demand amid tighter supplies put upward pressure on pump prices.”

All counties in Oregon except Curry ($4.17), Harney ($4.02), and Multnomah ($4.04) and have averages below $4 a gallon. The Oregon average began 2024 at $3.79 a gallon compared to $3.86 today. The national average started the year at $3.11 and is at $3.37 Tuesday.