Fuel Prices on the Rise, AAA Washington Reports
29 July 1999
Fuel Prices on the Rise, AAA Washington ReportsBELLEVUE, Wash., July 28 -- The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in central and western Washington has jumped 5.6 cents since Fourth of July weekend to $1.422 per gallon, AAA Washington reports. Tri-Cities (12.2 cents), Yakima (10.9 cents), Tacoma (10.3 cents), and Bellevue (8.6 cents) show the largest increases in prices of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in western and central Washington. Renton has the least increase, 2.9 cents. During the past month, the national average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline increased 3.2 cents to $1.174 per gallon. This is the highest level since late 1997. Two factors seemed to have contributed to higher prices at the pump: the continued increase in demand of U.S. gasoline, and the fact that crude oil prices have reached a 19-month high. Area by Area Comparison of Self-Serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices City July 28, 1999 Fourth of July 1999 Bellevue 1.450 1.364 Bellingham 1.436 1.385 Bremerton 1.393 1.361 Everett 1.437 1.388 Lynnwood 1.405 1.369 Olympia 1.416 1.358 Renton 1.403 1.374 Seattle 1.442 1.410 Tacoma 1.452 1.349 Tri-Cities 1.356 1.356 Vancouver 1.450 1.386 Wenatchee N/A 1.348 Yakima 1.425 1.316 Averages 1.422 1.366 AAA Washington provides more than 615,500 members in western and central Washington a full range of products and benefits, including full-service travel agencies and personal lines insurance agencies in each of its 13 service centers; a range of auto-related services; a variety of financial products, and member discounts on many consumer products and services. Although its travel and insurance agencies are available to the general public, AAA members benefit additionally from many special discounts and exclusive programs. A not-for-profit organization, AAA Washington also assists travelers through its highway and transportation safety and legislative advocacy programs. More information about AAA Washington is available on the company's website at http://www.aaawa.com. CONTACT: Janet Ray, 425-646-2058, or Jennifer Harbison, 425-646-2055, both of AAA Washington