Gas prices increase, WA over $4

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices climbed again across the nation, Washington and locally in Grant and Adams counties. After a several-week trend of an average below $4 in Washington was broken this week, however, both Grant and Adams Counties remain below $4. 

Both Grant County and Adams County saw increases this week, rising from $3.87 in each county – up to $3.95 and $3.88, respectively. One month ago, drivers in Grant County were paying $3.73. Adams County averaged $3.86. This week’s uptick ends a mixed month of slight declines and rebounds throughout January. 

Washington’s average fuel price increased nine cents this week from $3.94 on Jan. 26. Across the state, fuel prices remain wide‑ranging. Asotin County remains the lowest at $2.80. San Juan County remains the highest at $5.05. Washington’s statewide average of $4.02 is the highest price since late December, when prices hovered near $3.89. Two months ago, Washington was well above $4 per gallon, reaching $4.10 in early December. 

Washington continues to rank among the most expensive states for gasoline, driven by refinery economics, regional blend transitions and one of the highest gas‑tax rates in the nation. California at $4.48 and Hawaii at $4.40 remain the top two most expensive states. 

Nationally, the average rose slightly to $2.90, above last week’s $2.85. The national price has remained steady between $2.80 and $2.90 for most of the past two months. 

In a statement from GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan, he said more increases may be coming, especially in Western states. 

“The national average price of gasoline only edged slightly higher last week, but nine of the ten largest weekly price movements were increases, led by West Coast states as California begins the transition to summer gasoline,” he said. “Seasonal factors are likely to intensify, potentially driving the national average back above the $3‑per‑gallon mark, where prices could remain for at least part of the spring.”