Saturday, April 11, 2026
44.0°F

Gas prices drop for fourth consecutive week

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | March 18, 2025 3:00 AM

MOSES LAKE – The national average price of gasoline has fallen for the fourth straight week, according to data from GasBuddy, which tracks prices from more than 12 million reports across over 150,000 gas stations.  

As of now, the average stands at $3.02 per gallon, reflecting a decline of 1.3 cents compared to last week. This figure marks a decrease of 10.6 cents from a month ago and is significantly lower — by 42.4 cents — compared to this time last year. 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, indicates that concerns over economic conditions and potential tariffs are contributing to the decline in fuel prices.  

"As concerns over tariffs and policy uncertainties grow, gas prices have continued to decline across much of the country," he said in a statement from GasBuddy.  

De Haan warns, however, that the drop in gas prices may not signal good news for the economy.  

“When the economy slows, gasoline demand drops — along with the need for refined products like diesel,” he explained, indicating that lower prices may reflect a decrease in consumer activity rather than an abundance of fuel supply. 

In Washington, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline remains higher than the national average. As of the latest reports, gas prices in Washington hover around $4.01 per gallon, placing it among the top five states with the highest prices in the country. California leads with an average of $4.57, followed closely by Hawaii at $4.47. 

In Grant County, the cheapest gas can be found in Moses Lake, with the top seven of 10 of the cheapest gas stations in Grant County being located in the city. The prices range from $3.25 to $4.09 in Moses Lake depending on location and fuel grade.  

Meanwhile, diesel prices have also decreased, reaching an average of $3.558 per gallon nationally after a 5-cent reduction over the past week. In Washington, diesel prices echo the upward trend, averaging approximately $4.33 per gallon — once again among the highest in the country.  

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
April 10, 2026 12:13 p.m.

1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
April 9, 2026 5:32 p.m.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
April 9, 2026 3:15 a.m.

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”