Washington Gas Prices Soar Ahead of July Tax Hike Amid Rising Oil Concerns

If you're like most drivers you've probably been asking yourself what's going on with Washington State gas prices? Why are they so high? Officials at GasBuddy say prices are trending up with more increases on the way as drivers in the state see prices soar just before another increase in July.

WASHINGTON IS TOPS IN GAS TAXES

What's causing the increases? GasBuddy says there's the usual summer refinery issues and closures in California but in Washington State it's the increasing gas tax that's pushing prices to the frustration point. In fact GasBuddy says prices in Washington State rank third highest nationwide, behind California and Hawaii.

THINK PRICES ARE HIGH NOW?

The gas tax in the state is set to increase July 1 by 6 cents per gallon after lawmakers approved the increase in the last legislative session. There's also a 3 cent tax increase on diesel fuel that hits on July 1. It'll increase another 3 cents per gallon on July 1 of 2027. And now there's a possibility of higher oil prices because of the bombing in Iran.

PRICES MAY CLIMB HIGHER

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy says "now, with the U.S. launching attacks on Iran, oil prices are likely to continue trending higher. That said, I do not expect the apocalyptic spikes being circulated by some so-called influencers on social media- many of which are wildly inaccurate."

THE CHEAPEST GAS IN THE VALLEY

If you're filling the tank this week average gas prices are up 9.9 cents over the last week averaging $4.11 per gallon
according to GasBuddy's survey of 91 stations in Yakima.
The national average price of diesel has also seen a big increase of 16.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.64 per gallon. The cheapest gas in the Yakima area? It's $3.60 per gallon at the Costco in Union Gap, The Ahtanum Fuel Stop on Goodman Road. The cheapest in the valley? Gas is selling for $3.28 per gallon at Wheelers Kountry Korner in Wapato.

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