OLYMPIA — Washington drivers are heading into Wednesday’s automatic gas tax increase already paying some of the highest fuel prices in the nation, with averages in Grant and Adams counties continuing to outpace national trends even as most U.S. motorists see relief at the pump. 

Statewide, regular unleaded averaged $5.19 per gallon as of June 29, according to AAA data. Prices in Grant County averaged $4.97, while Adams County stood at $4.99. Nationally, fuel prices have fallen to $3.86, continuing a steady decline tied to easing global crude costs and reopened supply routes. 

Washington’s prices have remained elevated throughout the spring, peaking above $5.70 in early June. Grant and Adams counties followed similar patterns, with Grant County topping out at $5.58 on May 26 and Adams County reaching $5.51 on May 18. 

Beginning Wednesday, Washington’s per‑gallon gas tax will rise 1.1 cents, the first of the automatic 2% annual inflationary increases required under a 2025 law. The tax will reach 56.5 cents per gallon, behind only California and Pennsylvania. Diesel taxes will increase to 59.5 cents per gallon. 

The increases come as transportation revenues fall due to declining fuel demand, lower fee collections, and uncertainty around future federal transportation funding. 

Republican lawmakers say state policies, not market conditions, are driving Washington’s persistent price gap. 

Sen. Judy Warnick, R‑Moses Lake, said Washingtonians are being “left behind” as national prices fall. 

“While the rest of the country looks forward to relief at the pump as global supply chains reopen, Washingtonians are being left behind because the state’s Democrat leaders are standing in the way,” Warnick said.  

Warnick said the governor has the executive tools to provide immediate relief to residents, including suspending the Climate Commitment Act.  

Warnick criticized the Climate Commitment Act, the state’s low‑carbon fuel standard, and the upcoming gas tax increase, saying they disproportionately burden rural communities and farmers. She also pointed to the state’s plan to link its carbon market with California and Québec, calling it a “complex, out‑of‑state linkage deal” that offers no immediate relief. 

Sen. Chris Gildon, R‑Puyallup, said Gov. Bob Ferguson could reduce prices by “around 55 cents” by pausing the Climate Commitment Act. 

“He should put that policy on pause until economic conditions stabilize and fuel prices return to more sustainable levels,” Gildon said. “Many families … do not have practical alternatives to driving and are being forced to absorb escalating transportation costs simply to get to work, school, medical appointments, and daily obligations.” 

Gildon said Ferguson could suspend the law by declaring an emergency. The governor’s office has previously rejected similar requests, saying recent price spikes do not meet the legal threshold for emergency powers and Gildon overstated potential savings, according to reporting from the Washington State Standard. 

Across the U.S., gas prices have dropped from $4.49 in late May to $3.86 by June 29. Washington’s prices, however, have remained roughly $1.30 to $1.40 higher than the national average throughout June. 

With the gas tax increase taking effect Wednesday, Washington drivers are expected to feel the impact heading into the holiday travel week.