Fuel prices rise in WA, nationally
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, both national and Washington fuel prices increased, and Grant County’s 14‑week streak of falling gas prices came to an end with a four‑cent climb. Adams County did not follow the national trend and instead saw a slight two‑cent decrease.
“Average gasoline prices have jumped for a second straight week as oil prices have climbed back above the $60‑per‑barrel mark amid ongoing geopolitical tensions,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “New sanctions on Iran’s oil are making it more difficult for those barrels to reach the market, tightening supply, while the major winter storm that sent temperatures plunging is also likely to impact refineries, causing disruptions and reduced output.”
In Grant County, the average price rose to $3.75, up four cents from last week, reversing a months‑long trend of steady declines. A month ago, the average was $3.86, 11 cents higher than current levels.
In Adams County, prices dipped for the second consecutive week, dropping two cents to $3.82. A month ago, prices averaged $3.91, or three cents higher than now.
Both Grant and Adams counties remain near the middle of the pack statewide. Wahkiakum County currently reports the highest average price at $4.25, while Asotin County reports the lowest at $2.70.
Statewide, Washington’s average price increased by four cents to $3.85. That’s a slight improvement over last month’s average of $3.90 and 10 cents lower than the $3.95 average recorded a year ago. Washington remains the third most expensive state for gasoline, behind only California at $4.25 and Hawaii at $4.41.
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.
Nationally, the average price rose by five cents to $2.88. A month ago, fuel was three cents more expensive, and a year ago, the national average sat at $3.12, making today’s prices 24 cents cheaper than the same time last year.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
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