Seattle drivers are continuing to feel the pain at the pump, as average gasoline prices in the city have risen by 1.9 cents in the past week, reaching $4.52 per gallon, according to a new report from GasBuddy. That’s more than $1.40 above the national average, which currently stands at $3.10 per gallon.
Still Cheaper Than a Month Ago — But Higher Than Last Year
Despite the recent increase, Seattle’s average price is 12.3 cents lower than it was just a month ago. However, compared to the same time last year, prices are up 11.2 cents per gallon.
Gas prices across Seattle vary widely. The cheapest gas station in the city was offering fuel for $3.55 per gallon, while the most expensive was charging $5.39, creating a striking $1.84 gap in prices.
Statewide, that difference is even more dramatic. Prices ranged from $3.30 to $5.79 per gallon, a $2.49 spread.
Nearby Cities Also See Price Hikes
Seattle isn’t alone in its price woes:
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Tacoma: Up 4.8 cents to $4.34 per gallon
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Washington state average: Up 2.0 cents to $4.33 per gallon
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Yakima: Up 5.0 cents to $4.04 per gallon
These hikes are largely attributed to Washington’s high gas taxes, climate-related costs, and seasonal demand.
Gas Taxes and Climate Costs Add Pressure
Washington has long been among the most expensive states for fuel due to heavy taxation and environmental surcharges. That burden increased this summer with new fuel taxes and inflation-linked hikes.
On July 1, a new state tax added 6 cents per gallon of unleaded gasoline, raising Washington’s total fuel tax to 55.4 cents per gallon — one of the highest in the country. The law mandates:
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A 2% annual increase in unleaded fuel tax to adjust for inflation
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A 3-cent diesel increase in 2027
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Starting 2028, a 2% annual increase on diesel prices
In addition to the gas tax, Washington’s Climate Commitment Act — which imposes a CO2 emissions tax on businesses — also added another 6 cents per gallon recently. Critics argue this policy is significantly impacting fuel costs.
Drivers Frustrated, Seek Relief
For many Seattle drivers, the rising fuel costs are taking a toll.
“Seattle doesn’t pay [any] money on the infrastructure here. You go down I-5, it bumps everything. So, I don’t think we spend enough money on that,” said Timothy Durden, a local resident.
“We’re basically California now with our gas prices,” added Quinn Sullivan, echoing a common sentiment among frustrated motorists.
Some drivers have started driving longer distances to hunt for cheaper fuel. Near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, stations have reported prices nearing $5 per gallon, even before the latest tax increase.
The timing has also caused concern among families planning summer vacations, as holiday travel budgets are now being stretched by high fuel costs.
What’s Really Driving the Cost?
While critics have pointed to the Climate Commitment Act as a major cause of the price hike, the Washington State Department of Ecology says otherwise. A spokesperson clarified that the recent increase of just over 3 cents per gallon aligns with national price trends — and cannot be solely attributed to state climate policies.
Still, as gas prices rise and debates around taxation and climate regulations intensify, one thing remains clear: Seattleites are paying some of the highest prices at the pump in the nation, and many are demanding answers and relief.
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