WA fuel prices jump 17 cents, highest since late October

MOSES LAKE — Washington’s average gas price rose 17 cents in the past week, reaching $4.33 per gallon as of Feb. 23, the state’s highest average since late October.  

“We're also seeing localized supply constraints, including refinery outages and disruptions along the Olympic Pipeline, which have amplified price pressures in the Pacific Northwest,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “These developments are unlikely to be isolated, as planned refinery maintenance is set to intensify in the weeks ahead.” 

Grant and Adams counties followed the same upward trend. Grant County increased 16 cents to $4.17, while Adams County climbed 21 cents to $4.16. This week marked the end of an 11-week trend in Adams County where the average fuel price was below $4.  

Nationally, the average price ticked up two cents to $2.94, keeping Washington about $1.39 above the U.S. average. Washington remains the third most expensive state to purchase fuel, with only California at $4.63 and Hawaii at $4.38, with higher prices in the nation.  

“Average gasoline prices continue to drift higher as crude oil trades near its highest level since last summer, driven by mounting geopolitical risk premiums tied to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran,” said De Haan.