Gas prices stable this week, large increases since January

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington were largely unchanged this week, but drivers are still paying significantly more than they did in early January as global tensions continue to pressure oil markets. The relative stability follows several weeks of volatility tied to escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for crude oil. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said drivers should be prepared for more price swings. “Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” De Haan said in a statement. As of April 13, Washington’s average gasoline price remained $5.39 per gallon, the same as the previous week, according to AAA. In the beginning of January, prices were sitting at $3.84, which marks a 40.4% increase in fuel prices from the start of the year.