As gas prices take a surprising turn, here’s where to save in Washington at the pump

Washington state gas prices are going uphill, increasing in September and continuing to climb as some counties are still stuck with prices above $5 a gallon.

The United States gas price average has increased in the last month, now averaging $3.86 a gallon instead of $3.77 in September, according to the American Automobile Association.

Washington’s state average is now $5.36 a gallon, a 70-cent increase since September. In October 2021, gas averaged $3.84 a gallon in Washington state, according to AAA.

Until June, Washington’s average gas price continued to climb, but in mid-June the price started to dip below $5.50.

Beginning in mid-June, Washington’s average gas prices declined, until taking a turn for the worst near the end of September. Between Sept. 20 and Oct. 6, average gas prices have increased by 75 cents per gallon.

Although the increase in average gas price in Washington state is frustrating to many, the cost of gas still varies by county.

The county in Washington state with the highest price of gas is San Juan County, with an average of $5.94 per gallon, a 74-cent increase since last month. Meanwhile, Pend Oreille County, in the top northeast corner of the state, has the lowest gas price average at only $4.64 a gallon, increasing from $4.22 a gallon last month.

Washington state also has the fifth-highest gas prices in the country after California, Nevada, Oregon and Alaska. California has the highest gas in the country, averaging $6.42 a gallon, according to AAA.

How to find the cheapest gas in WA

To find the cheapest gas in your area, the GasBuddy app uses your phone’s location or zip code to locate the nearest gas stations and report their prices in real-time.

The cheapest gas in Washington state can now be found in Silverdale for only $3.93 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Electric vehicles on the rise in WA

During extremely high gas costs, many Americans are looking at how switching to an electric vehicle could save them money and reduce environmental impact.

Hybrid electric vehicles typically use 60% less gasoline, according to a 2020 Consumer Reports Study.

Washington state, and the west coast in general, is among the states pushing toward a future with EVs and plans to ban future sales of gasoline-powered cars.