SEATTLE — Drivers around Washington may have noticed they’re paying more at the pump this week.
The statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline climbed to about $4.50 a gallon, a 10-cent jump from the previous week, according to AAA. That marks the highest price so far this year and one of the largest week-over-week increases in the country.
AAA said the price spike stems from refinery issues near Puget Sound and in California, along with reports of an outage on the Olympic Pipeline, which carries fuel from Washington refineries.
“Gasoline supplies on the West Coast are very tight, due to refinery maintenance, and as the last of the summer-blend gas is produced,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA.
Wholesale prices have surged as both planned and unplanned refinery m