This week has had several wins for fuel prices locally, in Washington state and nationally. Washington saw decreased fuel prices for the 12th week in a row.
"Gas prices continued to decline in most states last week, while some price-cycling states saw temporary spikes to restore margins," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "With the national average falling further, we're now at multi-year lows heading into Christmas."
San Juan County is the most expensive at $5.23, a 22-cent increase from last week. Stevens County was the least expensive county this week at $3.64. Stevens and Asotin counties have been competing for the cheapest average fuel price in the state, with Stevens taking the lead for the second week in a row. There is a range of around $1.59 from the least expensive to the most costly fuel average in the state.
Washington State celebrated 12 consecutive weeks of fuel price relief, with the average sitting at $4.10 as of Monday. Twelve weeks ago, Sept. 22, prices were sitting at $4.62. This is a decrease of nearly 52 cents, over this time period, with an average four-cent reduction weekly. The state saw a seven-cent reduction on average this week compared to last. As of a year ago, fuel was 13 cents cheaper in the state, sitting at $3.97.
Washington is one of the most expensive states to purchase fuel in, with only Hawaii and California having more costly fuel in the nation. California remains the most expensive at $4.47 and Hawaii follows close behind with an average of $4.44.
Nationally, the average gas price saw a relief of nearly five cents, dropping the average below $3 a gallon. According to AAA, this is the first time in four years; the national fuel average has dipped below $3. The last time this happened was May 2021. As of Monday, the average national price was $2.95. A month ago, prices were 12 cents more expensive and a year ago, fuel was six cents more expensive than currently.
"Barring any major disruptions, prices are likely to stay relatively low into the new year," De Haan said.
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