MOSES LAKE — The average fuel prices have dropped in Grant and Adams counties and statewide in Washington. However, the national average price saw a slight increase this week.  

“The national average price of gasoline edged higher last week, with the vast majority of states seeing prices climb,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Refinery issues in the Great Lakes and West Coast have kept prices elevated, and gasoline inventory data from the government showed another large weekly drop in supplies, which has temporarily propped up prices. With thousands of flight cancellations ahead of Thanksgiving due to the FAA flight cuts, there could be slight shifts in gasoline demand, which may limit any near-term declines.” 

Grant County prices continue decreasing for the fourth week in a row. As of Monday, prices were sitting at $4.28, or seven cents cheaper than last week. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.51, or 23 cents more expensive than currently.  

Adams County, last week, broke its one-month trend of decreasing average fuel prices. However, after a nearly 10-cent increase last week, the county has seen around three cents in relief this week, bringing the average fuel price to $4.04. As of a month ago, prices were 33 cents more expensive than now, with the average fuel price sitting at $4.37. 

Grant and Adams counties have traditionally had similar prices to one another; however, this week, there is a 24-cent difference between the two counties, with Adams County being a cheaper location to purchase gasoline.  

Grant and Adams counties remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. San Juan County is the most expensive at $5.70. Stevens County took the least expensive county this week at $3.75. Previously, Asotin County held this position; however, Stevens County is one cent cheaper than Asotin this week. This means there is a range of around $1.95 from the least expensive fuel averages in the state.  

Washington’s average fuel prices dropped for the ninth week in a row, with prices sitting at $4.23. Looking back to Sept. 15, prices were sitting at $4.66 and dropped to $4.62 on Sept. 22. Average fuel prices dropped again Sept. 29 to $4.56 and again Oct. 6 to $4.52. The trend continued with Oct. 13 prices sitting at $4.48, Oct. 20 prices at $4.42 and Oct. 27 prices at $4.35. 

Last week, prices were sitting at $4.29, which means there was a six-cent decrease from last week to this Monday. As of a year ago, prices were lower, sitting at $4.01, or 28 cents cheaper than now.   

Only California, at $4.72 and Hawaii, at $4.47, have higher average fuel prices in the nation.  

Nationally, there was a slight increase of nearly four cents. The current national average is $3.07. As of a month ago, prices were $3.10, or three cents more expensive than now. As of a year ago, prices were two cents higher, sitting at an average of $3.09.