MOSES LAKE – For the first time this year, gas prices in Washington are the highest in the nation, with the state bypassing both California and Hawaii’s average fuel prices, according to AAA.  

“While the national average has been relatively stable, drivers in the Pacific Northwest are feeling pain at the pump,” reads a statement from AAA. “Gas prices in the area have jumped more than 20 cents in the past week due to the shutdown of a major pipeline that transports fuel from Washington to Oregon. The pipeline is reportedly expected to resume operations in a few days.”  

Washington’s average fuel price is sitting at around $4.66, a 20-cent increase from last week. On Sept. 8, California had the highest prices in the nation, sitting at $4.62 and Hawaii trailed close behind at $4.47. As of Monday, Washington was leading the nation with the highest fuel prices. California is sitting at $4.65, and Hawaii is sitting at $4.48.  

However, according to GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, the transition to cheaper winter gasoline begins Tuesday across most of the nation. This, paired with the improvements that are underway in the West Coast market, will likely lead to a decline in prices in the coming weeks, he said. De Haan said declining prices will also depend on the hurricane season remaining quiet.  

The statewide fuel price increase also saw impacts in both Grant and Adams counties.  

Grant County saw an eight-cent increase this week, with prices now sitting at around $4.54, according to AAA. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at around $4.40, or 14 cents cheaper than now.  

Adams County saw a 16-cent increase this week, with prices now sitting at $4.47, according to AAA. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at around $4.35, or 12 cents cheaper than now.  

Grant and Adams counties still remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. The most expensive county remains San Juan County at $5.61, or 12 cents more expensive than last week, according to AAA. Asotin County remains the cheapest at around $4.00, a 16-cent increase from last week.  

Nationwide, there was a slight decrease of two cents from last week to now, putting the average fuel price at $3.18. As of a month ago, prices were lower in the nation, with prices sitting at around $3.15. However, as of a year ago, prices were sitting at $3.21, or three cents more expensive.