MOSES LAKE — Gas prices remain significantly higher than a year ago but are trending downward heading into mid-June, according to weekly figures from AAA and analysis from GasBuddy. 

The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington state stood at $5.51 on June 15, down 11 cents from the previous week and off 27 cents from a month ago.  

The national average dropped to $4.07, falling below $4 briefly over the weekend, while local prices in Grant and Adams counties were $5.27 and $5.19, respectively. 

Despite the recent declines, prices remain sharply elevated compared to this time last year.  

In mid-June 2025, Washington drivers were paying about $4.37 per gallon, while the national average was nearly $3.14. That puts current prices roughly $1 higher per gallon across the board, with similar increases seen in Grant and Adams counties. 

Prices climbed steadily through the first half of 2026, with the most dramatic increases occurring in March and April. Washington’s average rose from $4.37 on March 2 to $5.33 by March 30, nearly a dollar jump in less than a month. Prices peaked in mid-May, reaching $5.78 statewide, before beginning to retreat in recent weeks. 

The downward movement mirrors a national trend tied to global oil markets. 

“Average gasoline prices fell in 47 states over the last week,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The decline came as oil prices moved sharply lower in reaction to news of a potential deal between the United States and Iran, though it remains to be seen whether the agreement will hold.” 

De Haan said the outlook remains uncertain, with global supply conditions playing a key role in whether the recent relief continues. 

“The real test now shifts to the Strait of Hormuz, where any reopening and resumption of normal oil flows would be the clearest signal that this relief is durable,” he said. “For now, the national average could continue falling, provided there isn’t a drastic reversal, and the U.S. and Iran continue moving in a positive direction.” 

Locally, Grant and Adams counties tracked closely with statewide trends, though both remained slightly lower than the Washington average. Over the past week, prices fell 12 cents in Grant County and 19 cents in Adams County, marking some of the sharpest short-term declines in the region. 

Compared with a month ago, prices are down more than 30 cents in both counties, consistent with broader easing after springtime highs. 

Even with the recent drop, Washington continues to post some of the highest fuel prices in the nation, typically running more than $1 above the national average. That gap reflects a combination of state fuel taxes, environmental regulations, and West Coast supply dynamics. 

Historically, gas prices rise in spring as demand increases and refineries switch to summer fuel blends, then level off or decline as summer progresses. This year has followed a similar pattern, though at a higher overall price level. 

For now, drivers are seeing modest relief at the pump, but analysts caution that conditions can change quickly depending on global oil supply and geopolitical developments.