Fuel hovers at about $4 locally, exceeds nation by about $1

MOSES LAKE — The national average remains under $3 for the second week in a row. Washington’s fuel average is almost an even $4. Grant County dropped below the $4 mark this week, for the first time this year, and Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices this week, but still remains under the $4 mark.  

“Just ahead of Christmas, the national average stands at its lowest level since March 12, 2021, delivering weekly savings of nearly $400 million compared to this time last year,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Gas prices are now lower in a majority of states, and the good news is that the downward trend may continue into the closing innings of 2025, with further declines likely across much of the country.” 

Grant County saw wins in average fuel prices this week, with the county average dropping below the $4 mark for the first time this year. Prices in the county are sitting at $3.96, or eight cents cheaper than last week. This is the fourth week in a row for the county where fuel prices have decreased. As of a month ago, fuel prices were sitting at $4.28, or 32 cents more expensive than currently.  

Adams County didn’t see the same relief this week, with an increase of six cents from last week, putting the county average at $3.98. This is the second week in a row where the county average has been below $4. As of a month ago, fuel was seven cents more expensive, sitting at $4.05.  

Grant and Adams Counties remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. San Juan County is the most expensive at $5.30, an eight-cent increase from last week. Stevens County was the least expensive county this week at $3.57. Stevens and Asotin counties have been competing for the cheapest average fuel price in the state, with Stevens taking the lead for the third week in a row. There is a range of around $1.73 from the least to the most expensive fuel averages in the state.  

Washington continues the trend of decreasing fuel prices for the 13th week in a row. The average, as of Monday, was sitting at $4.02, an eight-cent decrease from last week. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at 17 cents higher with an average of $4.19. As of a year ago, prices were nine cents cheaper than now, with the average sitting at $3.93.  

Washington is one of the most expensive states to purchase fuel in, with only Hawaii and California having more costly fuel in the nation. California remains the most expensive at $4.38, and Hawaii follows close behind with an average of $4.43.  

Nationally, the average fuel prices dropped by four cents to $2.91 this week. This is the third week in a row where the average gas price has dropped in the nation. As of a month ago, gas was 16 cents more expensive, sitting at $3.07. As of a year ago, fuel prices were 11 cents higher than now, sitting at $3.02.