Gas prices see some relief, increases this week

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Washington and Grant County all moved higher over the past week. However, nationally and in Adams County there was slight relief in fuel prices this week.  

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Washington was $5.13 on Aug. 3, up 2 cents from $5.11 a week ago. The national average slipped slightly to $4.10, down 1 cent from $4.11 the previous week. 

Locally, prices continued to climb. Grant County's average rose from $5.00 to $5.03 per gallon over the week, while Adams County fell slightly from $5.03 to $4.96. 

Compared to a month ago, Washington's average price increased 10 cents from $5.03 on July 6. Nationally, the average climbed 31 cents from $3.79 a month earlier. Grant County prices rose 21 cents from $4.82, while Adams County prices increased 6 cents from $4.90. 

Prices remain substantially higher than at the start of the year. On Jan. 5, the statewide average stood at $3.84 per gallon, meaning Washington drivers are now paying $1.29 more per gallon. The national average has increased $1.29 from $2.81 at the beginning of 2026. Grant County's average is up $1.24 from $3.79, while Adams County is $1.11 higher than the $3.85 average recorded Jan. 5. 

Year-over-year comparisons show fuel costs have also risen significantly. On Aug. 4, 2025, Washington's average was $4.39 per gallon, making this week's price 74 cents higher. The national average climbed 95 cents from $3.15 a year ago. Grant County's average increased 68 cents from $4.35, while Adams County is up 63 cents from $4.33. 

“Average gasoline prices were a mixed bag across the country last week as oil markets went on a wild ride, surging on geopolitical tensions before pulling back Sunday night after President Trump signaled a potential deal may be in the works,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, even as oil prices ease on deal optimism, continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are driving refined product prices higher as output plummets, keeping upward pressure on what Americans pay at the pump. By later this week, the national average could reach its highest level ever recorded for this point in the calendar year, a sobering milestone even as prices remain well below the all-time record set in 2022. Motorists should keep a close eye on developments both in the Middle East and in Ukraine, as either front could quickly shift the outlook.” 

AAA data shows Washington remains among the states with the highest gasoline prices in the nation with only California at $5.66 and Hawaii at $5.45 with higher prices in the nation. These three states are the only ones with an average over $5 a gallon across the United States.