MOSES LAKE — Washington drivers are paying less at the pump than they were at the start of October, continuing a gradual decline from the record-setting prices seen earlier this year. However, prices remain significantly higher than they were one year ago, and diesel costs continue to hover near historic highs. 

According to AAA data, Washington's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $5.30 on Oct. 26, down 18 cents from $5.48 at the beginning of the month. Grant County's average fell from $5.38 to $5.26 during the same period, while Adams County dropped from $5.36 to $5.25. 

Nationally, the average price of regular gasoline edged down just one cent during October, from $4.37 on Oct. 5 to $4.29 on Oct. 26. 

The decline comes as fuel markets transition to less expensive winter-blend gasoline. 

"The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell 6 cents in the last week to $4.27," AAA said in an Oct. 22 statement. "The drop is fueled by the transition to winter-blend gasoline which is cheaper to produce and costs less for consumers." 

AAA noted that falling fuel costs have been limited by elevated crude oil prices, which have remained near $100 per barrel amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz. 

GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said most states have seen prices move lower in recent weeks, although refinery disruptions in parts of the country slowed the pace of declines. 

"Average gasoline prices fell in a majority of states over the last week, though a fresh spike in the Great Lakes driven by a regional refinery issue nearly offset the broader decline," De Haan said. "With the national average for gasoline likely to remain above $4 per gallon and diesel above $6 heading into the U.S. election, the relief motorists and policymakers have been hoping for remains elusive." 

October trend 

The state's average regular gasoline price started October at $5.48 per gallon before steadily declining each week starting the month at $5.48 on Oct. 5; then Oct. 12 prices were sitting at $5.45; one week later fuel was sitting at $5.39; as of Monday, the state average is $5.30. 

Grant County followed a similar pattern, dropping from $5.38 at the beginning of the month to $5.26 by Oct. 26. Adams County decreased from $5.36 to $5.25 over the same period. 

Even with October's decline, Washington remains one of the nation's most expensive fuel markets. The state's average regular gas price is currently $1.01 higher than the national average. 

A year of rising prices 

Looking at the broader picture, Washington drivers have experienced dramatic increases in fuel prices throughout 2026. 

The state entered the year with an average regular gasoline price of $3.83 per gallon in January. Prices climbed steadily through the winter and spring, reaching a $4.11 average in February; a $4.90 average in March; a $5.41 average in April and a $5.74 average in May.  

Washington's regular gasoline average reached an all-time high of $5.79 per gallon on May 20, according to AAA. 

After peaking in late spring, prices gradually declined during the summer before settling at $5.30 in late October. Even after that reduction, drivers are still paying roughly $1.47 more per gallon than they were in January. 

Compared to a year ago, the increase is even more significant. Washington's average regular gas price was $4.34 on Oct. 26, 2025, meaning today's average is 96 cents higher, a jump of about 22%. 

Diesel prices have followed a similar trajectory. Washington's diesel average currently stands at $7.26 per gallon, up from $4.99 one year ago. Diesel prices reached a record $7.47 per gallon on Sept. 23, according to AAA. 

Nationally, regular gasoline rose from $3.05 a year ago to $4.29 today, an increase of $1.24 per gallon. 

While October brought some relief, fuel prices remain near historically high levels. With global oil markets continuing to react to geopolitical uncertainty and crude prices remaining elevated, industry analysts say significant short-term declines at the pump appear unlikely.