As national gas prices go down, Washington continues to surge. Thank your local democrat
Aug 14, 2025, 5:03 AM
While the nation is seeing lower gas prices compared to this time last year, Washington’s gas prices have increased year-over-year thanks to Democrats.
Washington residents are paying an average of $4.413 per gallon of gas, nearly 5% higher than the price paid in the summer of 2024. Nationally, gas costs an average of $3.14, 9.6% lower than prices last year.
As of Aug. 12, Washington residents are paying 40% more per gallon of gas than the national average. Washington consumers are currently paying $1.27 more than the rest of the nation, according to AAA.
Here’s why Washington gas prices continue to soar
Washington has the third-highest gas tax per gallon (55.4 cents) in the country, with California (61.2 cents) and Pennsylvania (57.6 cents) leading the pack. Notably, all three states have Democratic governors: Bob Ferguson (Wash.), Gavin Newsom (Calif.), and Josh Shapiro (Penn.).
Despite public concerns over increasingly unaffordable necessities, money-hungry Washington democrats spearheaded the passage of a 6-cent gas tax hike in July. That tax wasn’t enough for Ferguson; starting in 2026, gas taxes will increase 2% annually to combat inflation.
Washington’s $4.413 average price per gallon of gas ranked third-highest in the nation. The price was only behind California, which cost $4.497 per gallon, and $4.462 in Hawaii.
WA’s Climate Commitment Act
Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the Climate Commitment Act into law in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% ahead of 2050. It’s been a big failure. We were told at the time that it would only cost drivers pennies. But a study by the Clean and Prosperous Institute indicated otherwise. We’ve consistently paid upwards of $0.50 more per gallon as a direct result of the Climate Commitment Act.
The study noted that Washington and Oregon historically maintain similar gas prices, as the two states share supply chains. Interestingly, Washington’s average gas prices were 25.7 cents higher than Oregon between Jan. 23, 2023, and March, 23, 2024.
WA’s highest gas prices by county
The worst counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington:
- San Juan, $5.226 — 6% lower than prices in July
- Wahkiakum, $4.899
- Pacific, $4.767
- King, $4.665
- Jefferson, $4.730
The highest statewide average cost per gallon of gas in Washington history was $5.56 on June 16, 2022, according to AAA.
Lowest WA county gas prices
The best counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington:
- Asotin, $3.778
- Pend Oreille, $4.237 — 7% higher than prices in July
- Spokane, $4.069
- Ferry, $4.177
- Stevens, $4.145
The statistics provided are updated daily by AAA and are subject to change.
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