WA gas prices surge as one county nears $6 a gallon
Aug 13, 2026, 8:59 AM | Updated: 5:16 pm
Chevron gas pumps are seen. (Photo: Brandon Bell, Getty Images)
(Photo: Brandon Bell, Getty Images)
The price per gallon of gasoline in Washington sharply rose compared to one month ago, adding more than 18 cents to the state’s average.
Washington residents are paying nearly 27% more per gallon of gas than the rest of the country and are currently listed as the third most expensive state to fill up a tank, according to AAA.
As of Aug. 13, Washington’s average price per gallon is $5.162, which is $1.09 higher than the national average. Across the greater Seattle area, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $5.3507, more than 31% higher than the national average.
The national average is also currently the highest it’s ever been this late in the calendar year, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
BREAKING: the national average is now at its highest ever level this late in the calendar year, according to GasBuddy data. Meaning the national average has never been above $4/gal after Aug. 12 in any previous year- ever.
— Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) August 12, 2026
The average price has never been higher than $4 per gallon after Aug. 12 in any previous year, while the national average price has already risen above $4 per gallon three times this year, another record.
Washington counties’ gas prices
Average gas prices in Washington have increased substantially in recent months, with the state recording its highest-ever average on May 20 at $5.7887 per gallon.
AAA provided an updated database listing the best and worst counties in Washington to fill up your tank.
The most expensive counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington are:
- San Juan, $5.999
- Jefferson: $5.704
- Wahkiakum, $5.599
- Pacific: $5.487
- Clallam: $5.451
Each county’s average gas price included regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel.
In late 2025, Washington stood alone as the state with the highest average gas price, surpassing California and Hawaii. Washington now ranks third behind California ($5.5805) and Hawaii ($5.4344).
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Lowest WA county gas prices
The best counties to buy a gallon of gas in Washington:
- Asotin: $4.599
- Skagit: $4.902
- Spokane: $4.908
- Yakima: $4.924
- Franklin: $4.945
The statistics provided are updated daily by AAA and are subject to change.
