Washington remains among states with highest gas prices in the country

SEATTLE — Despite the recent drop in price, Washington state remains near the top of the list for the most expensive average gas price in the country.

According to AAA, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas was $4.19 Tuesday morning. That’s $1.11 more per gallon than the national average of $3.08.

Hawaii and California were the only other states with a higher average price than Washington Tuesday morning. A gallon of regular gas cost an average of $4.69 in Hawaii and $4.59 in California, according to AAA.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area was $4.45 Tuesday, which is about 6 cents cheaper than last week’s average price.

Only two counties in western Washington had an average price below $4 for a gallon of regular gas on Tuesday. Drivers were paying an average of $3.87 for a gallon of regular gas in Skagit County and $3.94 in Whatcom County Tuesday, according to AAA.

The average price for a gallon of gas in King County was $4.53 Tuesday morning. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Washington state was $3.94 this time last year.

At $2.59, Texas had the lowest average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. Tuesday, followed by Mississippi ($2.63), Oklahoma ($2.65) and Missouri ($2.65).

RELATED | Fact Check Team: U.S. oil production hits record high amid climate commitment questions

U.S. oil production reached an all-time high of over 13.2 million barrels per day earlier this month, accounting for the most in the world. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows this year’s production is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

In 2020, oil production hit rock bottom because the pandemic significantly decreased demand and limited production. Demand has since recovered.

According to EIA data, as of September, the U.S. has produced 911,000 more barrels per day than the same time last year.