Seattle-area average gas price hits record high; WA passes $5.50 mark

Gas prices have hit a record high in the Seattle area, as prices at the pump nationwide reach the highest they've been since the beginning of the war in Iran.

The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area on Tuesday was $5.724, according to AAA, the highest they've ever been on average. The price jumped about 11 cents in a week and 19 cents in a month.

Before the war in Iran, the highest price ever recorded in the Seattle area was $5.693, in June 2022.

A gallon of diesel cost an average of $7.031 Tuesday, a bit down from the record of $7.105 set April 10.

The average fuel price statewide was $5.513 Tuesday, while the nationwide average was $4.176, according to AAA, making Washington one of the most expensive places to buy fuel in the nation, behind only California and Hawai'i.

Nationwide gas prices jumped 1.6% on Tuesday, marking the highest percentage increase in more than a month.

"Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week, GasBuddy petroleum analyzer Patrick De Haan said in a statement. "Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran."

Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have derailed as neither side is willing to give ground, sinking the conflict into limbo as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz continues.

Prices at the pump began to rise over the last week as traders faced the growing risk that disruptions to global crude supplies could continue or even get worse, GasBuddy said. Stalled peace talks and constrained Iranian exports mean a resolution remains elusive.

In the meantime, check out st.news/gastips for fuel-saving tips. Among these tricks: Carry as little cargo as possible in your vehicle, don't leave it idling and slow down on the road to maximize fuel economy.

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