Fourth Consecutive Week of Rising Gas Prices in Yakima

What's going on with gas prices in Washington state after 4 weeks of increases?
Gasoline prices continue to climb on average as crude oil prices approach their highest levels since last summer.

OH SO THAT'S THE REASON?

GasBuddy officials say the increase is largely driven by rising geopolitical risks linked to increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. De Haan says although there have been no direct disruptions to energy infrastructure, markets are increasingly factoring in the potential for broader conflicts that "could threaten supply flows."

REFINERY ISSUES HEADING INTO SPRING

Along with geopolitical concerns, local supply issues-such as refinery outages and disruptions along the Olympic Pipeline-have added to the price pressures in the Pacific Northwest. He says these trends are expected to continue, especially with upcoming refinery maintenance set in the coming weeks, which could impact fuel prices as the season progresses.

Paul Fleet

A BIG JUMP FOR GAS PRICES THIS WEEK

Average gas prices in Yakima are up a big 18.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.92 per gallon today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 91 stations in Yakima. It's the 4th week of price increases and the rise this week is on top of the 4 cent rise in prices last week.

WE KNOW WHERE TO BUY THE CHEAPEST GAS

Prices in Yakima are 44.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 10.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
The national average price of diesel has increased 6.2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.686 per gallon.
The cheapest gas in Yakima is at the Ahtanum Fuel Stop/Sinclair at $3.49 per gallon.
The cheapest in the valley is at the Top Stop in Toppenish where gas is selling for $3.40 per gallon.