The national average gas price is $4.46. Washington’s average is more than a dollar higher, at $5.52.
Drivers in Washington are paying well above the national average at the pump as gas prices hit record highs, raising concerns about the months ahead as winter approaches and holiday travel ramps up.
The national average gas price is $4.46. Washington’s average is more than a dollar higher, at $5.52.
The price surge is affecting more than just fill-ups. Across the country, some people are seeing heating bills double or triple, leading them to keep thermostats lower, stretch gas as far as possible in their cars and opt for cheaper food to keep up with rising costs.
Holiday travel could also be affected as jet-fuel costs soar, with flights potentially becoming the most expensive in 10 years. Head of petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, Patrick De Haan, said you may also start noticing higher prices at grocery stores, online shopping, or many other types of purchases.
"The U.S. economy is very much driven by diesel," De Haan said. "So there will be a significant trickledown factor that continues to ramp up with diesel prices well above 6 dollars a gallon nationally."
President Trump said talks are continuing with Iran and that it will be resolved after the midterm election in November.
“We’re going to win that war very very soon. It’ll be over. And the gas prices will come tumbling down,” Trump said.
If the war in Iran does end, De Haan said prices could quickly go down.
"They could start going down in as little as two to three days," he said. "And that trend could continue for as long as the outlook remains positive."
In Washington, the state senator who crafted the state’s current gas tax infrastructure was asked in July whether a gas tax break is possible. The challenge, he said at the time, is that the cost of maintaining roads has almost doubled in the past six years.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, in July, the agency had at least six ongoing projects costing nearly $400 million.
The gas tax brings in about $250 million each month for the state. Washington also has the Climate Commitment Act, which critics say is responsible for the state’s higher-than-average gas prices.
Other states have taken steps aimed at easing fuel costs.
Georgia has declared a state of emergency and suspended the state gas tax.
Texas is addressing diesel prices.
Ohio is set to vote on a possible gas tax holiday this week.
