MOSES LAKE – Gas prices saw a slight increase in Grant County and nationwide; however, Washington and Adams County prices remained stable for the week, according to AAA.  

“A recent refinery issue has caused a surge in gas prices ahead of Labor Day weekend,” says an Aug. 28 statement from AAA. “The national average for a gallon of regular went up … mainly due to flooding at BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana. The largest refinery in the Midwest shut down operations for several days following a severe thunderstorm.”  

In Grant County, prices saw a slight increase of two cents this week, with the average sitting at $4.42, according to AAA. Prices in the county are two cents above the average in the state. As of a month ago, gas was seven cents cheaper than now.  

In Adams County, prices remained stable this week, with prices at an average of $4.35, for the second week in a row, according to AAA. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.33, or two cents cheaper.  

Both Grant and Adams counties are sitting in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. The most expensive county remains San Juan County at $5.68, a 27-cent increase from last week, according to AAA. Asotin County remained the cheapest at $3.85, which is a 16-cent increase from last week. 

Washington’s fuel prices remained stable at $4.40 for the third week in a row. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.39, or one cent cheaper. As of a year ago, prices were 24 cents cheaper, with prices sitting at $4.16. 

Washington remains the third most expensive state to purchase fuel in, with only California at $4.61 and Hawaii at $4.47, with higher prices in the nation. Following Washington is Oregon at $3.83, Nevada at $3.83 and Alaska at $3.75. 

The national average saw a slight increase of three cents, bringing the average fuel price to $3.19, according to AAA. One month ago, prices were sitting at a higher average of $3.15, four cents cheaper than now. As of a year ago, prices are down 14 cents from an average of $3.33. 

“Overall, summer gas prices have remained steady and should trend downward as the fall season begins,” reads the Aug. 28 statement from AAA. “But the incident in Whiting underscores the futility of predicting gas prices. Mother Nature and geopolitical events can suddenly and unexpectedly impact fuel prices.”