Tips to save on gas in Washington state. There’s more to it than ‘drive less’

Drivers in Washington state may notice a jump in gas prices the next time they stop to fill up.

Gas prices are spiking across the country, and experts say they could keep rising due to the United States’ escalating attacks on Iran.

“The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher,” AAA said in a March 5 news release.

Costs for food, fuel and other goods are also expected to climb.

Here’s what drivers can do to save money on gas amid increasingly high costs:

Has the war in Iran caused US gas prices to spike?

Crude oil briefly surged to about $119.50 a barrel on Monday, March 9, according to the Associated Press. Business Insider reports that prices had dropped to a little over $99, as of Thursday morning.

Crude oil is the main ingredient used to make gasoline and diesel, so when oil prices rise, drivers usually feel it at the pump.

Roughly half of what you pay at the pump comes from the cost of crude oil. The rest covers refining, transportation, marketing and taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Why are gas prices rising in Washington state?

Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA, said the recent spike in gas prices is partly tied to the conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices higher and tightened global supply — but that’s not the only factor driving prices up.

“It’s complicated,” Johnson previously told McClatchy Media. “It’s not just all the Middle East.”

Additionally, refineries are switching to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce.

Refinery changes are also limiting supply on the West Coast.

With the conflict in the Middle East, seasonal fuel changes and fewer refineries operating, Johnson said prices are rising “all over the map.”

What are current gas prices in Washington state?

In Washington state, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was about $4.74 a gallon as of Thursday, March 12, according to AAA.

This means Washington has the second-highest gas prices in the nation, beat only by California.

As of Thursday, gas prices in Washington state are about 29 cents higher than they were a week ago, according to AAA.

Prices at the pump have increased about 65 cents on average in the course of a month, AAA said, with regular gas costing $4.08 per gallon statewide on Feb. 12.

In March 2025, gas cost about $4.08 a gallon on average in Washington state, according to AAA.

Although the U.S. Energy Information Administration had previously predicted that gas prices in 2026 would be about 6% lower than in 2025, Johnson said recent global events have changed that outlook.

However, he said, prices could still fall later in the year if tensions involving Iran ease.

How can I save on gas in Washington state?

There are methods for saving on fuel.

Don’t pay extra for premium gas: Most vehicles don’t need the highest — and most expensive — grade of gasoline, the Penny Hoarder website advised. Regular grade gasoline is fine unless your vehicle’s manufacturer explicitly requires premium.

Use a gas price app: Compare prices at nearby gas stations using GasBuddy, Waze or AAA apps, USA Today suggested.

GasBuddy is a price-tracking website designed to help motorists find the cheapest gas prices in their areas.

You can search for the most affordable gas stations in your area on the GasBuddy website.

Take advantage of savings programs: Some grocery stores offer fuel rewards programs, and some credit cards offer points that can be used for fuel discounts.

Also, be aware of whether your gas station charges more or less for paying with credit cards or cash.

Warehouse clubs and independent gas stations also may have lower prices, Penny Hoarder said.

Fill up earlier in the week: “Gas prices sometimes increase later in the week as travel demand rises before the weekend, although trends can vary by region,” Penny Hoarder reported.

A GasBuddy survey found that Sundays tend to be the best days to buy gas in the United States.

Avoid highway gas stations: Gas stations along major highways often have higher prices, USA Today said.

Can my driving habits help me save on gas?

Plan ahead: If you can’t cut down on vehicle trips by walking, bicycling or taking mass transit, then plan your trips more efficiently to conserve gas, AAA suggested. Combine errands into one trip, plan efficient routes and avoid high-traffic times of day if possible.

Slow down: Driving the speed limit on the highway uses less gas, AAA said. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration, which greatly boost fuel consumption.

“Reducing your speed to 65 on the highway can increase fuel economy by as much as 15% to 20%,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Consumer Reports.

Aggressive driving can reduce your fuel economy by up to 33% on the highway or 5% in town, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant rate of speed, conserving gas, the agency said.

Avoid extended idling: You don’t need to “warm up” your engine in winter, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

Shut your engine off if you’ll be idling for more than 60 seconds to save fuel. It only takes a few seconds of fuel to restart your vehicle.

Idling can use a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, the agency said.

Minimize your use of air conditioning: Although it can be difficult in the summer heat, keeping the air conditioning off will use less gas.

“Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor,” AAA said.

In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield screen to reduce heat buildup in your vehicle and, hence, the amount of air conditioning you’ll need to cool it back down.

How can I keep my vehicle from using too much gas?

Keep up with routine maintenance: A smooth-running engine uses less gasoline, Penny Hoarder said. Don’t wait for the “check engine” light to check your vehicle out.

Remove bulky items from your vehicle: It takes more gasoline to accelerate a heavier vehicle, so remove any extra weight, AAA said.

This also goes for roof racks and special carriers. Even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can produce more wind drag on the highway and increase fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated: Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage. Keep them pumped up to the recommended pressure, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

Besides, it’s safer and makes your tires last longer.

Use the right motor oil: Be sure you’re using the recommended grade of motor oil in your vehicle, which can help your fuel economy slightly, the agency said.

This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 12:51 PM.