Washington gas prices soar

CENTRALIA – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Washington is the highest in the nation this week and Senate Republican Leader John Braun from Centralia said the state’s controversial cap-and-trade program is clearly the main driver.

“Almost a year ago the governor defended this scheme by claiming any effect on gas prices would be minimal or pennies once 2023 arrived, and more of the law took hold – that was either ignorant or dishonest,” Braun said. “A gallon of regular unleaded in our state costs $3.84 on average the first week of January. Today it’s $4.89. No one would call that minimal or pennies.”

Braun said those responsible for price jump in Washington keep trying to pin it on the oil companies, yet Braun said he doesn’t hear them explaining why any oil producer would have incentive to raise prices in Washington so dramatically in comparison to neighboring states.

“In Oregon you will pay $4.58 today, and $3.98 in Idaho,” Braun said. “The Democrats cry of price gouging just doesn’t stick when you set all the gas taxes aside and see Washington’s base cost is 20 cents more per gallon than Oregon and 54 cents more than Idaho.”

Braun said the legislature must act to bring gas prices down.

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