MOSES LAKE— In the latest report from GasBuddy, the national average price of gasoline has increased for the third consecutive week, rising 10.6 cents to $3.21 per gallon. This marks a 13.2-cent increase from just a month ago but remains 35.6 cents lower than the same time last year. The national average price of diesel has also seen an uptick, climbing 3.6 cents to settle at $3.594 per gallon. 

In Washington state, gasoline prices remain significantly above the national average. As of April 7, the average price for regular gasoline in the state was $4.31 per gallon. Although this represents a decline from the previous week's price of $4.38, Washington continues to be one of the states with the highest fuel costs in the nation. California holds the highest average at $4.87 per gallon, with Hawaii following closely at $4.44. 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that the current surge in gasoline prices is linked to the broader oil market, which has experienced significant fluctuations recently.  

“While the national average price of gasoline saw its largest weekly gain of the year, it likely won’t last long. Oil prices have plummeted amid growing concerns about the global economy,” De Haan said.  

He highlighted the impact of newly announced tariffs by the U.S., which have further contributed to volatility in oil markets. 

The recent spike in gasoline prices contrasts sharply with the current state of oil prices, which have dropped to levels not seen since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Monday morning, West Texas Intermediate crude had dropped to $60.47 per barrel, down nearly $9 from the previous week's opening price of $69.57. Similarly, Brent crude fell to $64.02, significantly lower than last week’s start of $74.13. 

More information on gas prices in the Evergreen State can be found at the Attorney General's website: https://bit.ly/WAAGFUEL.