Key Points
- The average price of regular petrol in Washington rose 10.5 cents over the past week to $5.06 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.
- That is still nine cents lower than a month ago, but more than 72 cents higher than a year ago.
- In Bellingham, AAA data show the average price at $4.93 a gallon, up more than 13 cents from last week.
- Nationally, petrol prices climbed nearly 11 cents to an average of $4.06 a gallon.
- GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said falling oil prices could slow further increases, but motorists should still expect prices to remain elevated.
- De Haan linked the pressure on fuel markets to escalations between the US and Iran, renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and fresh Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Bellingham (Evening Washington News) July 28, 2026 – Washington drivers are paying more at the pump this week as petrol prices move higher across the state, even while oil prices have shown signs that future increases could slow.
As reported by the journalist at MyBellinghamNow.com, GasBuddy said the average price of regular petrol in Washington rose 10.5 cents over the past week to $5.06 a gallon.
The report added that prices remain nine cents lower than a month ago, but still more than 72 cents higher than a year ago.
What do the latest Washington and Bellingham figures show?
In Bellingham, AAA data show gas prices average $4.93 a gallon, which is more than 13 cents higher than last week.
Nationally, GasBuddy said petrol prices climbed nearly 11 cents to an average of $4.06 a gallon. The figures point to a broader rise in fuel costs, not just a local increase in Washington.
What did Patrick De Haan say about the market?
Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s petroleum analyst, said falling oil prices could slow further increases, but he warned motorists should still expect petrol prices to stay elevated.
“Average gasoline and diesel prices rose in nearly every state over the last week, as continued escalations between the U.S. and Iran, renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and fresh Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries combined to keep upward pressure on both crude and refined product markets,”
De Haan said in a statement.
His remarks suggest the weekly increase is being shaped by international supply risks as well as domestic fuel market conditions.
The report does not say the Washington increase is caused by any single event, but it links the broader rise to several geopolitical pressures affecting energy markets.
How are international events affecting fuel prices?
The cited developments include tensions between the US and Iran, attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthis, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
Reuters-style updates from the current news cycle say the US and Iran have recently paused fighting, while Red Sea tensions and attacks on oil-linked targets remain part of the wider market backdrop.
Those developments matter because disruptions or fears of disruptions in major oil routes and production sites can push up crude and refined fuel prices. Even when the immediate effect is limited, markets often react quickly to uncertainty.
What background explains this development?
Washington fuel prices have been sensitive to shifts in the global oil market for years, especially when supply chains face strain or traders anticipate shortages.
In this case, the rise appears tied to a combination of regional conflict risks and refinery disruptions overseas, rather than to any one local policy change or supply failure.
The reporting also shows a gap between short-term weekly movement and longer-term price levels. Although Washington prices are up this week, they remain below the level seen a month ago, which suggests the market has been volatile rather than moving in one direction only.
What could this mean for drivers?
If current conditions continue, Washington drivers may face persistently high petrol prices even if the pace of weekly increases slows.
For commuters, delivery drivers and households with long travel distances, that could mean tighter transport budgets and less room for other spending.
At the same time, De Haan’s comment that falling oil prices may slow further rises suggests the market is not necessarily headed for a straight line upward.
The immediate impact for Washington motorists will likely depend on whether international tensions ease or continue to affect crude and refined fuel supply.
