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AAA Forecasts Washington State Summer Gas Price Average to Drop to at least $3.35

Summer Savings Coming to a Gas Pump Near You

BELLEVUE, Wash. — As Washingtonians embark on summer road trips, gas prices are getting cheaper across the state. Today’s state average is 10 cents cheaper than a month ago when motorists were paying $3.54 – the most expensive state pump prices since 2014. The current average for regular unleaded gasoline in Washington State is $3.44/gal. The highest priced major cities include: Olympia ($3.53), Seattle-Bellevue-Everett ($3.56) and Tacoma ($3.50). The cheapest gas in a Washington State city can be found in: Clarkston ($2.97), Spokane ($3.13), Tri Cities ($3.21), and Mount Vernon-Anacortes ($3.28).

For the 70% of West Coast residents who say they consider gas prices too high at $3.50, they will find some relief at the pump this summer. AAA forecasts drivers will see the state average drop to as low as $3.35 in coming weeks, which is still too expensive for half of West Coast region residents, according to AAA’s latest gas price survey.

“The highest prices of the year could be in the rearview mirror,” said Jennifer Cook, AAA Washington spokesperson. “The good news is that with most regional refineries operating at normal levels and cheaper crude oil prices, summer gas prices are poised to drop as much as another dime and be less than last summer.”

Even with cheaper gas prices on the horizon, three out of four people (75%) residing in West Coast states say they would change driving habits or make lifestyle changes to offset gas costs. Of those, 32% would make changes when pump prices reach $3.25 while 45% put $3.50 as their tipping point. Changes consumers said they would make include, combining errands or trips, driving less, reducing shopping or dining out, delaying major purchases and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Fuel Savings Tips for Consumers

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s American Driving Survey, on average Americans drive 31.5 miles a day and spend 51 minutes behind the wheel. AAA offers a few ways to conserve fuel:

  • Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
  • Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible travel outside high-traffic times of day.
  • Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
  • Avoid prolonged idling in general. If your car is stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.
  • Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
  • In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.

Crude + Demand Factors

Historically, summer pump prices are determined by crude oil prices and gasoline demand. While crude prices have been cheaper in 2019, AAA is monitoring a number of circumstances that could cause crude oil market prices to increase. This includes reductions in global and domestic crude supply, exports, and U.S. gasoline demand. If demand rises while gasoline stocks remain low during peak driving season, pump prices could see modest increases.

The forecast of a major hurricane making landfall could also impact demand, which can dramatically impact prices until normal operations resume. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, ongoing El Nino conditions, and an enhanced West African monsoon could produce nine to 15 named storms in 2019 –with four to eight hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms – with six hurricanes; three of them major.

As Americans settle into summer, many outliers could pave the way for unexpected price bumps, so stayed tuned. Motorists can always find the latest national and state gas price averages and trends at GasPrices.AAA.com.

About AAA Washington:

AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 prominent Seattleites determined to champion the betterment of motoring conditions and laws, the preservation of Washington state’s natural beauty and the promotion of Washington as an unrivaled tourist destination. Nearly 120 years later, the club continues to pursue these on behalf of its 1.2 million members. 

Members of AAA Washington receive exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts on hotels and rental cars, comprehensive insurance options, and personalized trip planning. AAA Washington was named a Best Place to Work by Puget Sound Business Journal and voted the best Travel/Tourism Company by 425 Business readers in 2023, and AAA was named one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. Additional information is available through the company’s Washington and northern Idaho stores and at www.AAA.com. 

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

Media Contact

Fearey o/b/o AAA Washington 
AAA@feareygroup.com 
206-838-9209 

Twitter: @AAA_Washington
Facebook: AAA Washington
Instagram: aaawashington

Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Find more Pacific Northwest scenic drives and road trips.

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