Pump prices hit pause before Labor Day weekend; Washington still has second-highest prices in country

Vonnai Phair, a writer for The Seattle Times, shares her insights and thoughts on a particular topic.

Following a continuous surge over the span of seven weeks, fuel prices all over the country experienced a noticeable decline in August. Consequently, drivers are anticipated to benefit with slight savings while refilling their tanks during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Motorists all over the nation can expect gasoline prices comparable to those seen last year during this upcoming weekend. As reported by AAA, the average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline on Thursday stood at $3.83, experiencing a decrease from the previous week, while last year it was recorded as $3.78.

In Washington, though, the state that ranks second after California for having the highest gasoline prices, motorists are currently shelling out around $5.11 for a gallon of gas. This amount is $1.28 higher than the national average and 30 cents more compared to Washington's average at the same time last year, AAA reports.

Out of Washington's 14 urban regions, the Seattle metropolitan area records the most expensive gasoline prices in the state. On Thursday, the average cost per gallon amounted to $5.26.

Owner Danny C. of the Capitol Hill 76 gas station shared that he has observed a shift in people's travel behavior as a result of high fuel costs. Folks now opt for destinations that are within a shorter distance, rather than venturing out for two or three hours. However, this alteration in travel plans hasn't influenced people's expenditure patterns.

"If you find yourself needing to allocate $100, it doesn't matter if you spend it in the heart of Seattle or at a Costco," he mentioned.

Thursday saw a decrease in the price of regular gasoline, with a gallon now priced at $5.70 at the 76 station. This figure marks a slight decline compared to the station's highest rate this past summer, which exceeded $6.

Aubrey Ackerman, while refueling her Mazda CX-5 on Thursday, shells out approximately $70 to top up her gas tank.

The present cost of gasoline hasn't influenced any of her expenditure or journey patterns, but when it comes to work, "I am constantly available and carry out house visits throughout the day, so they are of significant importance."

The county of Wahkiakum in Washington, which has the third-lowest population in the state, is currently experiencing the highest gas prices. On Thursday, the average cost per gallon was $5.45. Following closely behind are Pacific County with $5.40, Skamania County with $5.37, Jefferson County with $5.32, and King County with $5.31. These rankings were provided by AAA, a trusted source for such information.

According to AAA, in the United States, Mississippi is the most economical state for gasoline, with an average price of $3.31 per gallon of regular fuel at the fuel station on Thursday.

Despite the fact that gasoline in Washington costs more than the average price across the country, it is anticipated that fuel prices on a national level will remain stable during the upcoming holiday weekend. AAA reports that the national average for a gallon of fuel has only decreased by one cent compared to the previous week.

According to AAA representative Andrew Gross, as people are not going to gas stations frequently and the cost of oil is approximately $80 per barrel, it is expected that the typical price of a gallon of petrol will remain stable during the upcoming holiday weekend.

In Washington, prices have only slightly increased by around 4 cents since last week.

During the earlier part of this summer, the prices of gasoline at fuel stations significantly surged due to limited availability and the exorbitant price of oil. Consequently, Washington State witnessed the highest gas prices in the entire country, surpassing even California, which has held the top position for a long time. In the month of July, the average cost of gasoline reached an alarming $4.91 per gallon.

If you're hitting the road this Labor Day weekend, here are some ways you can cut down on your fuel expenses, courtesy of recommendations from Consumer Reports and GasBuddy, an online platform and mobile application designed to assist drivers in locating the most cost-effective options:

Utilize a mobile application or online platform for gas station information. Mobile applications such as GasBuddy, AAA, and Gas Guru come in handy when you are on the go and don't have access to a computer. These apps allow you to narrow down results based on the type of fuel you need and arrange them by distance and price. Additionally, they provide GPS-enabled directions to guide you to the nearest station. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze also provide details about gas prices for your convenience.

Before you travel across state borders, it's crucial to compare the prices in the various states you'll be visiting. It's important to note that prices can differ significantly between states, which is often due to variations in state gas taxes. For instance, when traveling on Interstate 5 and 90, you'll find that gas prices are more affordable in Oregon and Idaho compared to the Washington side of the border. In fact, the border between Washington and Idaho boasts the second largest discrepancy in gas prices nationwide, with the cost of fuel differing by as much as $1 between the two states. As per Gas Buddy, individuals embarking on summer travels without first checking gas prices may unknowingly be squandering more than $1 per gallon or over $10 during each refuel.

Avoid gas stations situated near highways. You might discover that you can obtain more favorable prices at stations situated away from major highways.

Consider the optimal payment method. Several fuel stations provide a reduced rate when you settle the bill with physical currency rather than a credit card. According to Patrick De Haan, a seasoned oil market expert at GasBuddy, the variance in pricing typically falls between 10 and 15 cents per gallon. However, he mentions that occasionally it may even soar up to one dollar.

Take it easy. When driving in the city, decrease how quickly you accelerate, and when on the freeway, make sure your speed stays below 75 mph. According to AAA, when driving on the highway, the fuel efficiency decreases considerably as the speed goes above 50 mph due to aerodynamic drag. It is also advisable to steer clear of quick and forceful starts, as they significantly ramp up the amount of fuel consumed.

Verify your tire pressure. Ensuring that your tires are correctly inflated to the specified pressure outlined on the label located within the driver's side door will enhance the efficiency of your vehicle.

Minimize your car journeys. If you need to go somewhere, attempt to consolidate your errands and appointments so that you avoid taking multiple trips and consuming additional fuel. Whenever feasible, opt to travel during less crowded periods of the day.

Get rid of the things you don't need. Reduce the usage of roof racks and take off any special holders when they're not being used. Even when empty, a bike, canoe, or ski rack can decrease fuel efficiency on the highway, according to AAA. And if you have a full rack or container on top of your car, it will greatly impact your gas mileage. Removing unnecessary and oversized items from your vehicle is also important as it requires more fuel to accelerate a heavier car.