Cheaper fuel better gift than coal in stocking

By Mike Benbow

Herald Writer

Here’s an early Christmas present: Gas prices have dropped dramatically since last year’s holiday.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Washington has fallen to $1.24, about 36 cents less than a year ago, AAA Washington announced Friday.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that most of the rest of the country — and even the rest of Washington — is paying substantially less than we are.

The average price for a gallon of gas in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area is $1.35, according to AAA. That compares to a national average of $1.10. In Yakima, the average is $1.25, in Olympia, it’s $1.23 and in Bellingham, it’s $1.21.

Prices around the country have dropped significantly as demand for gasoline has slumped following the terrorist attacks. AAA estimates that many people will stay close to home for the holidays; holiday travel is expected to drop by 6 percent in comparison to last year.

There still will be a lot of people on the roads this year. AAA estimates that 53.7 million Americans will travel during the holidays, with 79 percent going by motor vehicle.

The association recommends travelers:

  • Check road conditions before leaving.

  • Inspect your battery, oil, lights, brakes and tires.

  • Keep the tank at least half full.

  • Avoid driving while tired.

  • Increase your following distance.

  • Carry an emergency kit with warm clothing, food and water.

    You can call Herald Writer Mike Benbow at 425-339-3459

    or send e-mail to benbow@heraldnet.com.

    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

    Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

    Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

    Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

    Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Lake Stevens schools bond leading early; Arlington voters reject latest levy attempt

    A $314 million bond looks to pass while Arlington’s attempts to build a new Post Middle School again appear to take a step back.

    The second floor of the Lynnwood Crisis Center on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Funding gap leaves Lynnwood without a crisis center provider

    The idea for the Lynnwood crisis center began in 2021 after a 47-year-old died by suicide while in custody at Lynnwood Municipal Jail.

    Three seriously injured after head-on collision on Highway 522

    The crash between Monroe and Maltby happened around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

    Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

    Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

    People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

    The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

    Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
    Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

    The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

    The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

    The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
    Northshore School District bond improvements underway

    The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

    Fernando Espinoza salts the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue South on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Think this is cold, Snohomish County? Wait until Tuesday

    Tuesday could bring dangerous wind chill during the day and an overnight low of 19 degrees

    The Washington State Department of Licensing office is seen in 2018 in Seattle. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
    Drivers licensing offices to close Feb. 14-17

    Online services are also not available Feb. 10-17. The Washington State Department of Licensing said the move is necessary to upgrade software.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.