MOSES LAKE — For the third week in a row, Washington has the second-highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.52, a four-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA.
“Pain is about to return to California and neighboring states following last week’s refinery fire outside Los Angeles,” head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy Patrick De Haan said. “While OPEC again agreed over the weekend to boost oil production for November, the real story for motorists has been regional variation — especially in areas served by California’s supply system. Though the damage from the fire appears limited, the West Coast is likely to see prices climb, while most other areas can expect relative stability or slight declines.”
Grant County saw a nine-cent decrease this week from last, putting the average fuel price at $4.48 in the county. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.46, or two cents less expensive than now.
Adams County, on the other hand, saw an increase of around two cents, bringing the average price of fuel up to $4.45. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.31, or 14 cents less expensive than now.
Grant and Adams counties remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. San Juan County is the most expensive at $5.36 and Asotin County is the least expensive at $3.84. There is a range of around $1.52 from the least to the most expensive fuel in the state.
Washington state as a whole saw a slight decrease in prices from last week. However, as of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.43, nine cents cheaper than now. As of a year ago, prices were significantly lower at $4.03, or 41 cents cheaper than now.
Nationwide, there was no change for the second week in a row, with prices sitting at $3.13. As of a month ago, prices were seven cents higher in the nation, with prices sitting at around $3.20. As of a year ago, prices were sitting at $3.17, or four cents more expensive.