Despite fluctuations seen nationwide, average gasoline prices in Yakima have remained unchanged over the past week, holding steady at $3.72 per gallon, according to a recent survey by GasBuddy, which analyzed 91 local gas stations.

PRICES KEEP DROPPING AS WE APPROACH WINTER

This marks a slight increase of 4.0 cents per gallon compared to a month ago, but a significant decrease of 43.5 cents per gallon from the same time last year.
Across Washington State, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stands at $4.05, which also remains stable compared to the previous week.

1460 ESPN logo
Get our free mobile app

LOOKING FOR THE CHEAPEST GAS IN THE VALLEY?

However, for those looking to save at the pump, Costco in Union Gap has been reported to offer the cheapest gas in the valley, with prices as low as $3.15 per gallon on Sunday.
On a national level, the average price of gasoline has decreased by 5.3 cents over the last week, now averaging $3.07 per gallon. This reflects a 12.9 cent drop from a month ago and a substantial 39.8 cent decrease compared to last year. The national average price of diesel has also seen a notable decline, down 2.6 cents in the last week to $3.54 per gallon, marking the lowest level in over 1,100 days.

IT'S JUST THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN PRICES FALL

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, attributed these downward trends to seasonal factors rather than political influences. "In addition to gasoline prices falling to their lowest level since January, the average price of diesel has now fallen to its lowest level in over three years," De Haan stated. "While many Americans may incorrectly credit the upcoming election for the declines, politicians have little influence over the strong seasonal forces that drive prices lower in autumn.”

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

YOUR LACK OF DRIVING PUSHES PRICES DOWN

He further explained that the impending availability of winter gasoline and a reduction in consumer demand during the colder months are key drivers behind the current price reductions. “With winter gasoline soon to reach the rest of California, and demand continuing to decline as Americans grapple with colder weather, the drop in demand is pushing gas prices down—not politicians on either side, as much as they might like to think they do,” De Haan added, expressing optimism that the decline in gas prices will persist even beyond the election season.

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff

LOOK: 20 American foods that raise eyebrows outside of the US

Stacker compiled a list of 20 unusual and uniquely American foods that might raise eyebrows outside the U.S.

Gallery Credit: Charlotte Barnett

More From 1460 ESPN