WA gas prices climb, nat'l average remains over $4
MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices continued their upward trend across Washington and the Columbia Basin over the past week, mirroring national concerns about tightening fuel supplies and rising crude oil costs.
According to AAA data released Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington rose to $5.19, up 5 cents from $5.14 a week ago. In Grant County, prices increased 10 cents to $5.15 per gallon, while neighboring Adams County saw an even larger jump of 20 cents, climbing to $5.21 from $5.01 a week earlier.
Nationally, however, the average price edged down slightly to $4.06 per gallon, compared with $4.09 a week ago.
The latest increases leave Washington motorists paying significantly more than drivers elsewhere in the country, except for Hawaii at $5.43 and California at $5.58 which are the only states with higher prices in that nation. Washington's statewide average now stands $1.13 per gallon higher than the national average.
Industry analysts say global supply concerns continue to put pressure on fuel markets.
“Average gasoline prices climbed back above $4 per gallon over the last week, with prices rising in slightly more states than they fell, as rebounding oil prices driven by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries kept upward pressure on the market,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Diesel felt the pressure even more acutely, rising in all but a few states, as Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refining infrastructure continue to impact refined product prices more than crude oil itself.
“While the seasonal transition to cheaper winter-blend gasoline in the coming month could bring some relief, the two dominant challenges facing motorists – the closed Strait and the ongoing refinery strikes – show no signs of resolving anytime soon. Until they do, the path for gas and diesel prices remains tilted to the upside.”
Although prices rose during the past week, Washington drivers are still paying more than they were a month ago, but less than earlier this summer.
The state's average of $5.19 is 18 cents higher than the $5.01 average recorded July 20. Grant County's average rose 25 cents from $4.90, while Adams County increased 26 cents from $4.95 over the same period.
Nationally, the average price increased 6 cents from $4.00 a month ago.
Fuel costs remain considerably higher than they were at the start of 2026.
Washington's average price has climbed $1.35 per gallon since Jan. 5, when the statewide average stood at $3.84. Grant County prices are up $1.36, rising from $3.79 to $5.15, while Adams County has gained $1.36, from $3.85 to $5.21.
The national average has increased $1.25 per gallon since early January, rising from $2.81 to $4.06.
Prices also remain sharply higher than they were at this time last year.
On Aug. 11, 2025, Washington's average gas price was $4.41 per gallon, making this week's average 78 cents higher. The national average has climbed 92 cents from $3.14 a year ago.
Locally, Grant County's average increased 76 cents from $4.39 a year ago, while Adams County rose 88 cents from $4.33.
Despite the recent increase, Washington prices remain below the highs seen in early June, when the statewide average peaked at $5.71 per gallon. However, analysts say continued geopolitical tensions and refinery disruptions could keep fuel prices elevated as motorists head toward the end of the summer driving season.