Despite Rising Gas Prices, WA Road Trip Culture Remains Resilient in 2026

GasBuddy has released its 2026 Summer Travel Survey, showing that despite soaring gas prices, road trip culture is still alive and well in Washington State and around the nation.

A BIG INCREASE FROM A YEAR AGO

The survey forecasts the national average gas price will hit $4.48 per gallon on Memorial Day, a sharp increase from $3.14 a year ago. The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in Washington state is $5.78 per gallon.
Overall, prices could average $4.80 per gallon throughout the summer, with the potential to reach record highs if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue.

READ MORE: PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS ON THE WAY IN YAKIMA

THE SINCLAIR HAS HAD THE CHEAPEST GAS IN YAKIMA FOR MONTHS

The cheapest gas in Yakima is $4.89 per gallon at the Sinclair/Ahtanum Fuel Stop on Goodman Road. Prices change sometimes daily so Check the prices before you go.
But despite the price surge, 56% of Americans plan to drive more than two hours this summer, down from 69% last year.
Among those still hitting the road, 38% expect to travel over five hours, with many planning multiple trips.

COST IS A BIG CONCERN HOWEVER WE ARE STILL TRAVELING

Cost remains a top concern, with 53% citing it as a primary factor influencing their travel decisions. Also 67% report that rising gas prices are impacting their plans, and 36% are choosing to take fewer trips.

ARE YOU USING THE GASBUDDY APP?

Everyone is looking for a way to save month with 83% planning to use GasBuddy to find the lowest prices and many willing to drive a few miles out of the way to save.
Loyalty to the lowest cents-off-per-gallon offers remains strong.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says prices will vary this summer with the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption as a key factor.
"Americans will pay billions more this summer, and even after the Strait reopens, prices may not return to pre-disruption levels for over a year."

BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF HIGHER PRICES

The surge in prices is driven by global oil supply disruptions, refinery issues, the approaching hurricane season, OPEC production cuts, and declining inventories. If the Strait remains closed, prices could surpass $5 per gallon and set new records. Even with its reopening, gas prices are unlikely to fall below $3 for many months.
GasBuddy advises drivers to utilize tools like its platform to find the best deals and navigate this volatile summer at the pump.