Traffic & Transit
WA Gas Prices Surging Again: Here's What To Know
Washington saw the nation's fourth-largest spike in gas prices over the last week, according to AAA.
SEATTLE — Gas prices are surging again in Washington and many other states due to several factors, including refinery issues, tightening supply and building demand. While the average price for a gallon of gas rose about seven cents over the past week nationally, the impacts on the West Coast are far more pronounced, AAA found.
The travel firm's latest report highlighted the uneven pain at the pump, seen sharpest in the West and Southwest, where gas is already priciest.
"The regional differences in gas prices are stark at the moment, with prices on the West Coast hitting $6 a gallon and higher, while Texas and Gulf Coast states have prices dipping below $3 in some areas," said Andrew Gross, a AAA spokesperson. "At least six California refineries are undergoing maintenance, and there is a limited pipeline to supply the West Coast from locations east of the Rockies."
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Washington saw the fourth-largest spike in gas prices last week, hitting $5.29 a gallon, and is the nation's fifth most expensive at the pump, behind California ($6.37), Nevada ($5.39), Oregon, ($5.42) and Alaska ($5.29).
Here are the top 10 states for weekly gas price increases, per AAA:
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- California: +59 cents
- Alaska: +54 cents
- Oregon: +43 cents
- Washington: +38 cents
- Arizona: +38 cents
- Nevada: +38 cents
- Michigan: +19 cents
- Illinois: +19 cents
- Wisconsin: +17 cents
- Indiana: +16 cents
According to the federal Energy Information Administration, gas demand grew last week while domestic stocks dipped, adding to refinery headaches in California and the Midwest. In California, officials are switching over to cheaper winter blends one month earlier, but AAA said it was unclear how much of an impact that would have on prices in the short term.
In Washington, gas prices are highest in San Juan ($5.99), Skamania ($5.82), Wahkiakum ($5.65), Jefferson ($5.58), Pacific ($5.57), and King ($5.54) counties. Most counties in Eastern Washington are averaging below $5.
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