Labor Day weekend brings record-setting gas prices
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
COLUMBIA BASIN – AAA Motor Club reports that motorists heading out on Labor Day vacations will be paying the highest gas prices ever for gas. Crude oil prices remain above $80 a barrel as the conflict with Iran continues. Summer gas blends are running low as refineries prepare for the switch to winter blend. Also problems are reported (but not officially confirmed) on the Olympia Pipeline.
In Walla Walla County a gallon of regular unleaded averages out to $5.37, and it’s a penny more in Walla Walla itself according to AAA. The county average is also the average for all of the Evergreen State.
Gas stations in the Columbia Basin and northeastern Oregon are just under the $5-a-gallon price tag for regular unleaded, with only two exceptions. Wallowa County’s average price is $5.29. Union County averages $5.05. Elsewhere in Oregon, the Pendleton average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.86. Umatilla County’s average price is $4.84. The average price in Morrow County is $4.83.
