Pipeline Shutdown Sends Washington Gas Prices to Highest in U.S.

Washington now has the highest gas prices in the nation after a pipeline outage and refinery issues pushed costs to $4.66 per gallon on average.

(P&GJ) — Washington drivers are paying more for fuel than anywhere else in the country, with average prices now about $1.50 above the national norm, according to The Seattle Times source.

AAA data shows a gallon of regular gas in Washington averaging $4.66, compared with $3.18 nationwide. Prices are steepest west of the Cascades, King County motorists are paying about $4.88 a gallon, while in Spokane County the average is closer to $4.31.

The surge stems from several factors, including maintenance at local refineries, a recent six-cent hike in the state gas tax, and the temporary shutdown of the 400-mile Olympic pipeline, which moves refined fuel through western Washington to Oregon. Although the line has since restarted, the outage contributed to the jump, as reported by The Seattle Times.

Nationally, fuel costs slipped slightly over the past week, but Washington saw an increase of more than 16 cents, according to GasBuddy. The state’s public affairs officials note that drivers may see relief as stations transition to cheaper winter-blend gasoline, which could lower pump prices by 10 to 30 cents per gallon.