Filling up your tank is costing significantly more in Washington state as the conflict in Iran shuts down oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, driving prices to their highest levels in months.
Twenty percent of the world’s oil supply usually travels through the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway has been largely closed amid the ongoing military conflict. AAA says the current average price for a gallon of gas in Washington state is $4.60. The most expensive gas in the state is currently in Wahkiakum County at $4.99 per gallon.
The national average sits at $3.45, the highest average since August of 2024, surging more than 45 cents in the last week. According to AAA, it’s the largest weekly increase since March of 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Diesel prices are climbing even faster. The nationwide average has jumped 75 cents in the last week to $4.51 per gallon. In Washington state, drivers are paying much more, with prices spotted on Friday showing $5.59.
What happens next with gas prices depends on where the conflict in the Middle East is headed. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked or restricted, analysts expect prices to continue climbing. If diplomatic efforts succeed in reopening the waterway, prices could stabilize or drop relatively quickly.
The price surge hits Washington drivers particularly hard given the state already has some of the highest gas prices in the nation due to state taxes and fuel standards. The combination of global supply disruption and existing local costs means Washington motorists face significantly steeper increases than drivers in many other states.
