Gas prices have climbed again this week for most U.S. drivers, breaking an eight-week streak of declines, according to AAA data. The national average rose to $3.87 per gallon, up from $3.79 last week.
Washington's statewide average posted a slight drop in prices.
Washington's average fell from $5.03 on July 6 to $4.98 on July 13.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the shift reflects growing instability in global oil markets.
"The national average price of gasoline has seen its first weekly increase since May 11, snapping a streak of eight straight weekly declines, with prices climbing in nearly four out of five states," De Haan said in a July 13 statement. "The turnaround comes as oil prices have surged following the collapse of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and the start of new attacks ... an ominous sign that could bring additional gas and diesel price increases in the week ahead."
Oil prices jumped another 4 percent Sunday evening, De Haan said, adding pressure to refined fuel markets already strained by Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
Despite Washington's slight dip this week, the state remains among the most expensive in the country for fuel. June's statewide average sat at $5.48, and May's at $5.74, compared with national averages of $4.07 and $4.50, respectively.
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