MOSES LAKE — Fuel prices continued their steady decline across Washington and Grant County this week, marking the third consecutive week of decreases as seasonal factors and increased fuel supplies continue to ease pressure at the pump. 

According to AAA, Washington's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $5.01 per gallon Nov. 9, down from $5.19 a week ago, a decrease of 18 cents. Grant County motorists saw a similar decline, with the average price dropping from $5.16 to $4.98 per gallon during the same period. Adams County prices also dipped slightly from $5.18 to $5.16 per gallon. 

Nationally, motorists are also seeing relief. The U.S. average for regular gasoline fell to $4.01 per gallon, down from $4.17 a week earlier. 

The latest statewide average also shows significant improvement compared to one month ago. Washington drivers were paying $5.46 per gallon a month ago, meaning prices have fallen roughly 45 cents since early October. Grant County has experienced a similar drop, falling from $5.38 on Oct. 5 to $4.98 this week, a decline of about 40 cents per gallon. Adams County also saw relief, dropping from $5.36 on Oct. 5 to $5.16 as of this week, a decline of about 20 cents.  

However, compared to a year ago, fuel remains substantially more expensive.  

AAA data shows Washington's average price was $4.23 per gallon in November 2025, meaning motorists are paying about 79 cents more per gallon today. Nationally, gasoline averaged just over $3 per gallon at the same time last year. 

"Gasoline prices fell in every state over the last week, while diesel declined in nearly every state, and the national average dropped below $4 per gallon for the first time since early August," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Many will assume the election had something to do with it, but that's a myth. Gas prices have fallen in the 30 days leading up to the election every year since 2006 except 2010, and it's typically seasonal: refiners finish maintenance and ramp up output just as demand fades with cooler weather. Those same forces, along with more oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz, are why prices could stay below $4 in the weeks ahead." 

De Haan said while affordability remains a major public concern, seasonal market conditions are the primary reason fuel prices are moving lower. 

AAA is reporting similar trends nationwide. 

"The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 12 cents from last week to $4.10," AAA said in a Nov. 5 statement. "Gas prices have been going down for nearly two weeks, as crude oil has dipped back into the high $80 to low $90 per barrel range. But pump prices remain the highest they've ever been during this time of year. Before 2026, the national average had never gone above $4 per gallon during the month of November." 

Washington remains one of the most expensive states in the nation for fuel, although it has moved down one position in the rankings. AAA recently listed Washington as the fourth most expensive gasoline market in the country at $5.12 per gallon, trailing only California ($5.75), Hawaii ($5.66) and Nevada ($5.08). 

Part of that cost burden comes from fuel taxes. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, drivers pay 74.9 cents per gallon in combined state and federal fuel taxes before refining, distribution and retail costs are added. 

Looking at fuel prices throughout 2026 reveals just how dramatic the year's swings have been. Washington's average gas price began January at $3.84 per gallon before steadily climbing through winter and spring. Prices crossed the $5 mark in March and continued rising into early summer. 

The state's highest weekly average occurred on May 18, when gasoline reached $5.78 per gallon, while Grant County peaked around $5.60 per gallon. Rising crude oil prices, refinery issues and strong seasonal demand contributed to the sharp increase. 

Since then, the trend has largely reversed. 

Washington's monthly average climbed from $3.83 in January to a peak monthly average of $5.74 in May but has gradually fallen during the second half of the year. Monthly averages slipped to $5.48 in June, $5.03 in July, rose slightly through late summer and early fall, then began a more pronounced decline during October and November. 

Grant County has followed nearly the same pattern but consistently remained a few cents below the statewide average. Prices in the county rose from roughly $3.75 per gallon in January to about $5.60 in May, before easing back to under $5 this week. 

The current statewide average of $5.01 is the lowest Washington motorists have seen since early August and represents a drop of more than 75 cents from the late spring highs. 

For drivers in Grant and Adams counties, the decline offers some relief heading into the holiday travel season. While fuel prices remain historically high for November and well above year-ago levels, both AAA and GasBuddy analysts suggest further decreases may be possible in the coming weeks if current market conditions continue.