MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Gas prices soar to record levels across Washington state

Mar 7, 2022, 10:42 AM | Updated: 11:55 am

Gas prices...

Prices at the pump have continued to rise in Washington. (MyNorthwest photo)

(MyNorthwest photo)

In the last week, Washington gas prices have climbed to record highs, driven in large part by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Washington gas prices climb amid uncertainty with Russia

Regular unleaded gasoline in Washington averaged $3.12 a gallon in early March of 2021, according to data from AAA. On March 3, prices rose to $4.10 a gallon, before skyrocketing to an average of $4.45 as of Monday morning, marking the highest it has ever been statewide. That’s also up from the $3.96 a gallon the state was averaging one month ago.

Rates are even higher in the Seattle metropolitan area — covering Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett — where gas prices are averaging $4.63 a gallon. That’s up from $3.32 a gallon in March of 2021, and $4.18 just a week ago.

While gas prices have been rising steadily for the better part of the last month, the escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated that trend. It’s estimated that Russia provides roughly 10% of the world’s crude oil supply. On Monday, Reuters reported that the Biden administration could be planning to move forward with a ban on importing Russian oil, with or without the backing of European nations.

State Dems remove proposed fuel export tax from transportation package

“Any time we have this type of geopolitical tension, the oil markets, … they don’t respond well to this type of chaos,” AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe told CBS. “The reality is we don’t know how high these prices are going to go or when we’re going to see relief at the pumps.”

The situation has been similar across the United States, with the nation averaging $4.07 a gallon to start the week. The record for the country’s highest-ever gas prices was set in July of 2008, when the national average peaked at $4.11.

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

12 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

13 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

15 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

15 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

16 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

19 hours ago

Gas prices soar to record levels across Washington state