SEATTLE, WA – Washington has edged out California and Hawaii to claim the highest average gas prices in the nation, according to AAA.
As of Monday morning, the statewide average price for regular unleaded in Washington is $4.66 per gallon, slightly higher than California at $4.65 and Hawaii at $4.48. Washington also leads in mid-grade at $4.90 per gallon and premium at $5.13. Diesel prices remain lower than in Hawaii and California.
AAA officials attribute the surge in West Coast prices to refinery issues in Puget Sound and California, as well as a reported outage on the Olympic Pipeline, which transports fuel from Washington refineries to Portland. Both planned and unplanned refinery maintenance have driven wholesale prices higher, costs that are being passed on to consumers.
The price spikes are being felt across the region. Oregon’s average, the 4th highest in the nation, jumped 16 cents in the past week to $4.14 per gallon, the largest weekly increase for any state. Officials said some relief may come soon when stations switch to the cheaper winter-blend fuel beginning September 15. In Idaho, the average for a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $3.51 a gallon, up about 5 cents from a week ago. Idaho’s average is currently the 8th highest in the nation.
