Overview

• AAA data this week showed Washington briefly edging California by a fraction of a cent at roughly $4.657 per gallon, while Friday updates listed California at $4.656 with Washington slightly lower and the U.S. average near $3.20.
• Washington’s per‑gallon excise tax rose in July from about 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents, with an additional roughly 6‑cent increase tied to Climate Commitment Act emissions charges.
• West Coast supply has been constrained by a February refinery fire, a recent Washington‑Oregon pipeline shutdown, and lower regional refinery utilization reported at a four‑month low by the EIA.
• Phillips 66’s Wilmington and Carson facilities are in permanent wind‑down, reinforcing a tight California supply picture that also affects markets drawing fuel from the state.
• Political pressure in Washington state has intensified over the Climate Commitment Act’s costs and revenue use, while analysts say prices could ease once winter‑blend gasoline arrives and supply issues subside; Phoenix saw a month‑long jump of more than 50 cents due to blend rules and California refinery impacts.