Fuel prices slightly elevated this week
MOSES LAKE — After weeks of steady increases, fuel prices across Washington and the nation largely held steady this week. Locally, however, drivers in Grant and Adams counties continue to feel the slow climb, with prices ticking up for the second week in a row.
According to AAA, fuel prices in both counties rose slightly — by five to six cents — continuing a gradual upward trend.
“The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week, as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
Local trends
In Grant County, drivers are now paying an average of $5.60 per gallon as of May 18, a five-cent increase from the previous week. Just one month ago, the average sat at $5.10, about 50 cents cheaper than today.
A year ago, on May 19, prices were significantly lower at $4.30 per gallon — meaning drivers are now paying $1.30 more per gallon, an increase of about 18.6% over the past year.
In Adams County, prices rose six cents this week to an average of $5.51 per gallon. A month ago, the average price was $5.07, reflecting a 44-cent increase over the past month.
Looking back a year, the difference is even more striking. In May 2025, gas in Adams County averaged $4.18 per gallon, meaning prices have climbed $1.33, or roughly 31.8%, year over year.
Despite the increases, Grant and Adams counties remain mid-range compared to the rest of Washington state. This week, San Juan County recorded the highest average at $6.66 per gallon, while Asotin County had the lowest at $5.02.
Statewide picture
Statewide, Washington saw a modest two-cent increase this week, bringing the average to $5.78 per gallon. A month ago, that average was $5.38, about 40 cents lower.
Compared to last year, when the state average was $4.35, prices have risen by $1.43, marking a roughly 32.9% increase year over year.
Washington continues to rank as the second most expensive state for fuel, trailing only California, where the average price currently sits at $6.15 per gallon.
National outlook
Nationally, prices held steady this week at an average of $4.52 per gallon, showing no change from the previous week. However, the year-over-year increase tells a bigger story.
A month ago, the national average was 39 cents lower. One year ago, it stood at $3.18 per gallon — meaning today’s prices are about $1.34 higher, a significant 42.1% increase nationwide.
Overall, while price hikes have slowed in recent days, both local and national data show that fuel costs remain significantly higher than a year ago — leaving drivers continuing to feel the impact at the pump.