MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices in Washington declined slightly over the past week, but motorists across the state continue to pay some of the highest fuel prices in the nation as international conflicts and energy market uncertainty continue to affect costs.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington stood at $5.45 on Oct. 12, down 3 cents from a week earlier and 11 cents lower than a month ago.
Despite the recent decline, the average remains nearly a dollar higher than the national average of $4.36 per gallon and 97 cents higher than a year ago. Washington's current diesel average is $7.28 per gallon, just below the state's record high of $7.47 set Sept. 23.
Washington ranks as the third most expensive state in the nation for gasoline, behind California at $6.31 per gallon and Hawaii at $5.62. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, motorists in the state pay 74.9 cents per gallon in combined state and federal fuel taxes before other costs are added to fuel prices.
The state's average regular gasoline price reached an all-time high of $5.79 per gallon on May 20, while diesel prices reached a record $7.47 per gallon on Sept. 23, according to AAA.
Washington's fuel prices have climbed sharply throughout 2026. The state average for regular gasoline was $3.83 per gallon in January before rising above $5 in March and peaking near $5.80 in May. Although prices have moderated since then, they remain well above both 2025 and national averages.
Nationally, diesel prices have drawn increased attention amid international developments involving Russia, Ukraine and global energy supplies.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, diesel prices surged this fall following disruptions in global energy markets tied in part to the war involving Iran and broader geopolitical uncertainty. The AP reported that the national average diesel price recently reached a record $6.52 per gallon before easing to about $6.28.
Energy markets have also been affected by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the conflict has disrupted global oil and fuel supplies, prompted sanctions on Russian energy exports and led to repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure.
According to AP reporting, those attacks have reduced some Russian diesel production, contributing to supply concerns and price volatility in global fuel markets.
The AP also reported that President Donald Trump recently announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply about 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to the United States immediately, followed by an additional 500,000 tons in November.
Supporters say the agreement could help ease fuel costs, while critics argue it could provide additional revenue to Russia as the war in Ukraine continues.
Industry analysts say consumers are seeing some relief, but caution that fuel markets remain vulnerable.
"More states saw average gasoline prices decline than rise over the last week, with diesel falling approximately 5 cents per gallon nationally," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
De Haan said hurricane season, refinery operations and geopolitical developments remain important factors to watch.
"For now, the trend is cautiously in the right direction for motorists, but between hurricane season and continued geopolitical uncertainty, it is far too early to declare the pressure on fuel prices resolved," he said.
While Washington drivers saw modest price declines this week, fuel costs remain significantly above last year's levels. A year ago, regular gasoline averaged $4.48 per gallon in Washington, compared with today's statewide average of $5.45 per gallon.
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