NORTH SOUND, JAN. 12: Likely you have noticed gas prices have fallen lately. In fact, across the North Sound, several gas stations are selling regular gas at under $3 a gallon … yes, under $3 per gallon.
Those stations with regular fuel at $2.99 per gallon include Sancor Fuel south of Anacortes, Swinomish Markets in LaConner, and the two Tulalip Markets. Tribal gas stations typically offer lower gas prices.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price of regular in Skagit County is $3.44, in Island County $3.71, and in Snohomish County $3.84.
The average price across Washington is $3.82 per gallon, the third highest in the nation. The average price in California is $4.24 and Hawaii is number one at $4.42 per gallon.
Neighboring states have lower prices. In Oregon the average price for regular gas is $3.37, while in Idaho its $2.80. Our neighbors to the north, however, pay far more. Converting the price per liter to gallons, the average fuel price in British Columbia is around $6.50.
The national average price for regular gas is $2.82, meaning Washington State’s average price is a dollar higher. The higher fuel prices have been primarily driven by the Washington State Legislature’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which was implemented in January 2023. The average boost to gas prices has been close to 40 cents per gallon.
The act created a carbon emissions trading system, also known as cap and trade. The funds raised have been helping support projects to reduce carbon emissions across the state. These projects include many electrification efforts, including converting transportation systems, converting heating systems to heat pumps and insulate windows, and adding more EV charging stations.
Last week, the Washington Department of Commerce released news that the CCA had vastly overstated the amount of carbon emission savings, about 96% lower than had been initially reported. The error was simply a math miscalculation. The full release can be found on the department’s website.
The Washington State Legislature begins its 2026 session this week on Monday, Jan. 12. The CCA is set to be addressed as a part of this 60-day short session.
In the meantime, gas prices are lower than they have been in several years. Nationally, prices are lower by an average of 23 cents than a year ago. In Washington, prices are about 6 cents lower than 12 months ago, neutralizing the 6-cent gas tax rise last July.
This is the time of year when gas prices are usually at their lowest during an average year. Prices typically begin to rise in the spring as demand rises with motorists traveling more.
