Northwest drivers will pay high prices for Labor Day weekend, AAA warned.
Northwest drivers will pay high prices for Labor Day weekend, AAA warned.
As of Friday, the average price for regular unleaded gas in Washington state was $5.48, more than a dollar higher than the state average this time last year.
Washington gas prices are the second-highest in the country, while Oregon’s are the fourth-highest, according to AAA data. Some drivers said the rising gas prices, coupled with other travel expenses, have led them to stay home this Labor Day weekend.
"Honestly, everything is way too expensive for me to be traveling," said Corey Harper. "So, I'll be spending most of my time here at the park or maybe at Gas Works Park enjoying the free things [Seattle] has to offer."
The highest recorded average price in Washington is $5.79.
The average price for regular unleaded fuel in Seattle-Bellevue-Everett is $5.60. The average a year ago was $4.57, and the highest recorded price in that area was $5.99, according to AAA of Washington.
Seattle's high prices were a shock to Gholam H., who recently moved to the Emerald City from Atlanta. "Over there, it's about $3.50 to $4, but here it's up to $7 for 92 octane [gas]. Very expensive!" he said.
AAA spokeswoman Marie Dodds said several factors are contributing to higher prices in the region.
Dwindling supplies of summer-blend gas and reports of possible operational issues at the Olympic Pipeline are contributing to the spike.
The war against Iran, now more than six months old, is the biggest factor of all.
By most estimates, 20% of the world’s oil supply travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran and where traffic remains restricted because of ongoing attacks.
The national average currently stands at $4.14 per gallon, and Dodds said that would shatter previous Labor Day gas price records.
The previous Labor Day record was $3.81 per gallon in 2023.
Travelers face more than higher gas prices. AAA said domestic flights, hotels, cruises and tours are all more expensive this year than in 2025.
The only relief may come from international flights and rental cars, which cost less.
Top regional destinations include Bend, Seattle, Portland, Lincoln City and Newport.
Top U.S. destinations are Anaheim, Las Vegas, Orlando and San Diego.
The top international destinations are Vancouver, British Columbia; Rome; London; Dublin; and Paris.
