Gas prices increase nationally, WA; relief in Grant and Adams Co.
MOSES LAKE — After 17 straight weeks of falling fuel prices in Washington, the trend came to a halt this week, with statewide averages ticking up by nearly a cent. Nationally, a similar seven‑week streak of declining prices also ended. But despite the upward pressure elsewhere, both Adams and Grant counties continued to see slight relief at the pump.
“After seven straight weeks of declines, the national average price of gasoline has moved higher, breaking the streak as oil prices have climbed back near $60 per barrel after dipping into the mid‑$50s,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “There’s still a window of opportunity to revisit — or even beat — recent gas price lows, but that window will begin to close soon.”
De Haan noted that the seasonal shift to summer‑grade gasoline is on the horizon, beginning first in California and rolling out across the country in the coming weeks. However, he added that an excess supply of winter‑grade fuel may still generate localized discounts as refineries clear out inventory.
How state policy factors into fuel prices
As Washington’s fuel prices fluctuate, the state’s Climate Commitment Act continues to play a background role in how gasoline and diesel costs are structured. Passed in 2021 and implemented in 2023, the CCA created a cap‑and‑invest system that requires major emitters – including fuel suppliers – to buy carbon allowances at quarterly auctions.
While the CCA does not impose a direct per‑gallon tax, the Department of Ecology confirms that many suppliers pass the cost of these allowances along the supply chain. This process, often referred to as “cap‑at‑the‑rack,” means carbon allowance costs are reflected in the wholesale price of fuel and ultimately in what drivers pay at the pump.
Washington also remains one of the highest‑taxed states for gasoline, according to the Tax Foundation, which lists the state’s fuel tax at nearly $0.59 per gallon, third highest behind California and Illinois.
Revenue from the CCA has been substantial. Since the program’s launch, carbon‑allowance auctions have generated more than $3 billion, which is deposited into dedicated state accounts such as the Carbon Emissions Reduction Account and the Climate Investment Account. Those funds help pay for climate‑related projects across Washington, with nearly 3,600 projects to date.
Locally, Adams County has received about $28.9 million across roughly 86 projects, while Grant County has received nearly $227 million supporting around 690 projects. According to the Department of Ecology, most funding goes toward reducing transportation‑related emissions, expanding transit and increasing biking and walking infrastructure. Administrative spending is capped at 5 percent under state law.
Local prices trend downward
Despite statewide and national upticks, Adams and Grant counties bucked the trend this week, each recording a two‑cent drop. Grant County now averages $3.71 per gallon, down from $3.86 a month ago. This is the ninth week the county has seen decreasing fuel prices.
Adams County sits slightly higher at $3.84, down from $3.91 a month ago.
Both counties fall near the middle of Washington’s fuel‑price spectrum. The most expensive fuel in the state is found in Pacific County at $4.24, while Asotin County offers the lowest price at $3.07 – a difference of $1.17 between the two extremes.
Statewide and national trends
Washington’s statewide average rose by a penny this week to $3.81 per gallon. That remains 15 cents cheaper than a month ago and 12 cents cheaper than this time last year. The state continues to rank as the third-most expensive in the country for gasoline, behind Hawaii at $4.40 and California at $4.21.
Nationally, the average price increased three cents to $2.83. Compared to a month ago, prices are down five cents, and compared to a year ago, Americans are paying 29 cents less per gallon.