Washington Gas Tax Increases by Six Cents Ahead of 4th of July

Traveling for the 4th of July holiday? If you're filling up the tank in Washington state you'll be paying more because the state's gas tax increased by six cents Tuesday.

NO CHEAP PRICES IN WASHINGTON

The Legislature approved the six-cent-a-gallon increase to take effect July 1 as part of its new state transportation budget. So while Washington drivers will be paying more other drivers in other states will be enjoying cheaper prices.

CHEAPEST GAS SINCE 2021

GasBuddy has released its 2025 Independence Day gas price forecast, projecting that the national average price of gasoline will drop to $3.15 per gallon on July 4. That's a big decline of nearly 35 cents from last year’s average of $3.50 per gallon, making it the lowest Independence Day fuel price since 2021. Despite recent turmoil in energy markets gas prices have been falling.

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TENSIONS EASE IN MIDEAST

“With tensions in the Middle East cooling off after a few weeks of volatility, consumers planning to hit the road for the Independence Day weekend will see gasoline prices falling in the run-up to July 4 nearly coast to coast,” says Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.�� He says relief could continue as the holiday weekend approaches, with the national average falling to its lowest July 4 level since 2021.

MAYBE FILL UP ELSEWHERE

The forecast comes as good news for those planning summer travel, as they are expected to spend over $500 million less on gasoline from July 3 to July 6 compared to last year. marks the third year of declining gas prices on Independence Day.