Gas prices are on the rise in Bellingham and the surrounding area.
The average regular fuel prices for Bellingham is $4.48 a gallon, up nearly 10 cents from a week ago and up about 20 cents from this time last year, according to AAA. Average prices for premium gas may shock drivers — it sits at $5.04, up 40 cents from this time last year.
Overall, Washington state’s average gas price is up nearly a dollar from the U.S. average gas price — Washington drivers pay $4.48 a gallon on average while other drivers across the nation are paying $3.53 on average per gallon, according to AAA. Washington has one of the highest average prices for gas in the nation.
Gas is a little cheaper for Skagit County residents, with the average gas price sitting at $4.41 a gallon, according to AAA. But if you’re heading to either the San Juan Islands or Seattle for a weekend trip, get ready to pay for some of the highest gas prices in the state — $4.90 and $4.68 on average per gallon respectively.
Gas prices typically rise during the spring months, according to AAA.
“Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures. They start to rise with the arrival of spring,” said Andrew Gross, a spokesperson for AAA. “And the national average for gas is now higher than a year ago, which we have not seen since late December.”
Growth in demand for fuel and the switch from winter-blend fuel to summer-blend fuel also drive up prices, Mellani McAleenan, the senior public affairs manager for AAA Washington, wrote in an email.
Additionally, international crises such as the ongoing war in Ukraine against Russia, which tipped into its second year in February, and the war Israel is waging against Palestine are driving the increase in gas prices, according to GasBuddy, a gas tracking website.
“We’ve now seen the national average price of gasoline rising for four straight weeks, which isn’t uncommon for this time of year. What is uncommon is the number of attacks on Russian oil refiners; attacks which could have ripple effects worldwide if they continue,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote in a news release.
De Haan also noted inflation as another factor in the rising gas prices.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
