MOSES LAKE — Gas prices decreased nationally, in Washington state and in Grant County. However, Adams County saw a slight increase of one cent this week.  

“Gas prices nationally saw little change over the last week, though several price-cycling states did experience notable jumps,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The good news is that once prices rise in these markets, they often retreat for a week or longer afterward. While the situation in Venezuela has dominated headlines, it’s far too early for any measurable impact on what consumers are paying at the pump — whether prices go up or down — as it would likely take years to see a meaningful increase in oil output there. For now, gas prices remain seasonally lower, but with oil prices inching higher, the national average could soon see some limited upward movement.” 

In Grant County, there was a four-cent decrease this week, bringing the county average to $3.73 this week, according to AAA. This is the eighth week in a row with decreasing fuel prices. The last five weeks in the county have been below the $4 mark. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $3.96, 26 cents more expensive than currently.  

Adams County did not experience the same relief with an increase of one cent from last week, bringing the county average to $3.86. Although the county did not see lower prices this week, this is the sixth week in a row where the average is sitting below $4. As of a month ago, prices were 12 cents higher in the county, sitting at $3.98.  

Grant and Adams remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in that state. Wahkiakum County was the most expensive this week, sitting at $4.25. Asotin County is the cheapest at $3.04. This means there is a range of $1.21 from the most expensive to the cheapest fuel in the state.  

Washington State continued its 17-week trend of decreasing fuel prices this week, with the average sitting at $3.80, four cents cheaper than last week. This week marks four weeks of fuel prices below $4 in the state. As of a month ago, prices were 23 cents higher than now. As of a year ago, fuel was nine cents more expensive than currently, sitting at $3.89.  

Washington is the third most expensive state to purchase fuel in, with only California at $4.22 and Hawaii at $4.40 being more expensive in the nation. According to the TaxFoundation.org, Washington levies the third-highest tax on gasoline in the nation at nearly $0.59 per gallon. California taxes the most at about $0.71 per gallon, with Illinois following close behind at $0.66 per gallon. 

Currently, there is a $1 difference between the average fuel cost in Washington compared to the national average. Part of this cost is associated with carbon credit auctions established through the Climate Commitment Act, which increases costs for fuel companies who then pass that cost on to consumers at the pump.

Nationally, fuel prices have dropped seven weeks in a row, bringing the average to $3.80 this week. This is four cents cheaper than last week. As of a month ago, fuel was 13 cents more expensive than it is now. As of a year ago, fuel was 26 cents more expensive than currently.