Gas prices in Washington state have increased 25% according to AAA, mainly due to the war in Iran driving up oil prices and blocking supply chains in the Straight of Hormuz. In Washington state, and specifically King County, it’s causing anger and frustration from people, especially working class families.

As of now, Washington is the state with the third highest gas taxes only behind California and Hawaii. Washington is not pausing these gas taxes. According to the Seattle Times, “In Washington, spokespeople for Democratic legislative leaders say a gas tax holiday is not currently on the table. And spokespeople for Senate and House Republicans said Friday they are not calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson to suspend the state’s combined 59-cents-per-gallon tax.”

Highline student Romanivr Singh said, “The gas prices are insane in King county. I’ve seen the prices in other states and it aggravates me to see the contrast in prices. I even stopped driving as much to pay less for gas.”

Jason Lapin, a Seattle college student said, “I’m going to blow my brains out if I have to spend another dollar supporting a company that does nothing more than create superfund sites and import oil from countries which have starving children being blown up by bombs regardless of government.”

The U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused disruptions in supply chains, mainly shipping to and from the Middle East.

According to Oxford college, the reason the blockage on the Strait of Hormuz is affecting gas prices is because “increased security risks and military activity in the Persian Gulf have forced many shipping companies to: Suspend operations in high-risk areas, reroute vessels away from the region, and take longer routes around Africa. These changes result in: Increased transit times, higher fuel consumption, delays in delivery schedules, and port congestion and bottlenecks.”

A March report by Congress stated, “The Strait, which borders Iran and Oman, is a key waterway, particularly for the transit of oil and natural gas and other commodities—including helium, fertilizers, and other industrial products—to world markets.” Approximately 20 million oil barrels pass through the Strait on a daily basis, or about 20% of the oil trade.  

Joanna Lee, a resident of Lakewood, Washington said “I’m mad at our US government for getting us in a situation where our gas prices have risen so high. Every time I go pay at the gas pump, I’m reminded how our unhinged orange-faced president is causing world chaos as well as hurting our hard working families. I don’t feel safe with this ego-centered U.S. president and how everything is  SO expensive now.”

Everyone has noticed the gas prices going up these last couple of weeks. According to Oil Price API oil barrels are now around $95, per barrel. 

According to AAA Fuel Prices, the most common price per gallon in Washington is $5. Even Costco gas stations, who are known for being cheaper than other gas stations.

“I usually have to get gas every other week for my small car (roughly 12 gallons when full) and every time I have to go get more the prices are higher. Even at Costco where its typically cheaper, its now surpassed $5 a gallon which isn’t sustainable for most people and it shouldn’t have to be,” said Aster Gilbert, a Highline running start student.

Gas prices are higher in states such as Washington because of higher gas taxes, environmental regulations, and limited supply.

Victor Taing, a Highline student, said, “I believe that the rising gas prices across the country are just another obstacle in the way of civilians achieving any semblance of comfortable living. It’s another obstacle in the way of upward economic mobility.”

Trump recently stated that gas prices would either stay the same or go higher during the midterms.

Many are being affected by these high prices. For instance, the United States Postal Service has announced that they will input a temporary price change with an additional 8% charge on retail and commercial domestic competitive items because of fuel prices.

People are not happy about this. Brenda Lopez, a college student in Washington said, “I have to drive out of state to get gas $1 cheaper.” 

These gas prices are outrageous and they are affecting everyone and people are not happy about this. The government has tried some stuff to lower gas prices, such as the U.S. department of energy has said that the government will release 172 million barrels of oil in March of this year. 

One of the most obvious things that could lower gas prices is reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but as of now it remains closed. We can only hope things will get better from on out.