Washington State Gas Prices Soar, No Tax Relief in Sight

0:00It's March 30, I'm Cory with the story. This is Vancouver News today, driven by AI. Gas prices just spiked past $5 a gallon in Washington state thanks to that mess in the Middle East messing with global oil supplies. While other spots like Georgia hit pause on the $0.33 per gallon tax for 60 days back in March 20, our leaders aren't jumping on that train. No talk of suspending our $0.59 combined state tax right now. Nationally, Congress is buzzing with the gas prices relief act of 2026, aiming to freeze the $0.18 federal gas tax through fall. States like Maryland and South Carolina are eyeing similar moves too. But here, both Dems and Republicans in the Senate and House say they're not pushing Governor Bob Ferguson to act. Drivers are feeling the burn, with Washington's average at $5.30 Friday way above the national $3.98. High taxes, distribution and labor costs keep us at the top even before this surge.

1:04Folks want relief, but officials point out calling a special session post adjournment on March 12 would be a big lift for a dedicated revenue. Stream Analysts warned a tax holiday might not drop pump prices much anyway since suppliers could pocket the savings in our taxes hit at the tanker, not the pump. Back in 2022 during the Ukraine mess, states like Georgia and Florida, POS taxes, but then Governor Inslee skipped it, doubting real. Help for those hurting most. With no word from Ferguson's camp and prices still climbing, keep eyes on Olympia for any shift as this oil shock drags on.