Are you enjoying the wonderful new gas prices that kicked in on July 1st? Washington’s gas tax jumped like a frog on a pogo stick, adding an extra 6 cents per gallon to the gas tax. Every tank now will cost just a tad more, and nearly everyone’s wallet is going to feel it.
Here are Five Fast Facts on higher gas prices in Washington State:
- 😣 6 Cents More = Ouch - Starting July 1, gasoline in Washington will carry an extra 6 cents per gallon tax, raising the state gas tax from $0.49 to $0.55 per gallon. It's the first increase in nine years, but that's hardly a brag since it's still one of the highest in the nation.
- 🚚 Diesel’s Jumping Too - Diesel drivers aren’t safe either, with 3 cents more per gallon now, and another 3 cent boost coming in two years. That means trucks will be paying $0.58 per gallon before even hitting the pump.
- 📈 Highway to High Taxes - With this hike, Washington zooms into the top 3 highest gas taxes in the nation - only California and Pennsylvania are worse. Even Connecticut’s tax can’t match ours!
- 👍 Inflation Safety Net - Starting July 2026, the tax will automatically rise 2% every year (like an annoying kid growing faster than you can feed them). It’s designed to keep up with inflation, not to throw surprise parties for your wallet.
- 👀 Pay Now, Projects Later - The extra cash -- $1.4 billion over 6 years for gas and $166 million for diesel -- won’t spring any new bridges or bike lanes. It’s just making sure current road and ferry projects don’t stall out.
🔥Bottom line: There are other increased taxes, too, on things like rental cars, tire disposal, distribution, car weight, and even the price of new cars. So buckle up, the increases aren't done yet! The bottom line is that on July 1 driving became even more expensive in Washington. The state says the result will be fixed potholes, bridges, and ferries, not just your tax dollars disappearing into thin air. Because politicians always spend money how they promise, right?
Did you notice the higher prices?
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