SPOKANE, Wash. — Gas prices are getting more and more expensive across the United States and Washington and Idaho have been no exception.
According to AAA, Washington state currently has the fifth-highest average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, with the statewide average sitting at $4.49.
Many of the gas stations in the downtown Spokane area had regular unleaded listed at $3.99 a gallon, with some going as high as $4.19 a gallon.
With inflation and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine still ongoing, some commuters have changed their driving habits in response.
“It’s affected me a little bit with regard to travel and things like that,” said Ryan Lucky, a driver gassing up in Spokane before a drive to Seattle on Monday. “But you know, I mean, everything's going up, are going up with everything. So, it's kind of like just following suit, but we do try to drive a little less and carpool as much as we can because of the price.”
In Spokane the average is a bit lower, with AAA listing it at $4.06 on Monday. While that may feel high for some, it is still lower than the prices in Seattle – where the average is up to $4.63 a gallon.
“I'm from Seattle. And this is still less expensive than the gas price over in Seattle,” said Nick Manring. “So to me, this is still pretty inexpensive.”
Over in Idaho, it’s a similar story. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.96 per gallon. Those living in the Coeur d’Alene area have it a little better, sitting at $3.85cents per gallon on average.
Even with gas prices projected to go up even more, some people are pressing on as normal.
“I mean, I wouldn't say worried about it. But, you know, it's definitely something I'm aware of, but it's not going to stop me from doing anything,” said a commuter named David.
According to AAA, Idaho’s average gas price could go $4 a gallon as soon as Tuesday. If gas prices continue to rise past that in Idaho, we could see a new record high for the average price for a gallon of gas in the Gem State. AAA lists the highest recorded average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Idaho at $4.07.