Experts Say Pipeline Shutdown Could Impact Gas Prices

Another week closer to summer and while the price of gas is expensive the price is unchanged this week selling for an average of $3.38 per gallon in Yakima according to Gas Buddy's daily survey of 91 stations in the Yakima area. They say gas prices in Yakima are 18.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $1.12 per gallon higher than a year ago. GasBuddy says the cheapest gas in Yakima is selling for $2.95 per gallon. The most expensive is selling for $3.69 a gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy says there could be gas supply problems in the near future for some parts of the country because of the recent pipeline shutdown. "While average gas prices jumped last week as the nation continues to see COVID-19 recovery, all eyes are now on the Colonial Pipeline and the fact a cyberattack has completely shut all lines, leading to what could become a major challenge for fuel delivery, the situation is growing more intense each day that passes without the pipeline restarting, and motorists are advised to show extreme restraint or exacerbate and prolong the challenges. If the pipeline returns to service in the next day or two, the challenges will be minimal, but if full restart doesn't happen by then, we're likely to see a slight rise in gas prices, but more importantly, challenges for motorists needing fuel in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia, Northern Florida and surrounding areas. I'm hopeful the situation will quickly improve as multiple levels of government are involved, this may become a nightmare should it continue just ahead of the start of the summer driving season. GasBuddy will continue to watch the situation and update as necessary."
So obvioulsy he says everyone is watching the situation on the national side closely.
GasBuddy says the national average price of gasoline has risen 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week, selling for an average of $2.95 per gallon.

Historical gasoline prices in Yakima and the national average going back ten years:
May 10, 2020: $2.26/g (U.S. Average: $1.83/g)
May 10, 2019: $3.41/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g)
May 10, 2018: $3.24/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g)
May 10, 2017: $2.83/g (U.S. Average: $2.33/g)
May 10, 2016: $2.38/g (U.S. Average: $2.20/g)
May 10, 2015: $2.77/g (U.S. Average: $2.66/g)
May 10, 2014: $3.82/g (U.S. Average: $3.66/g)
May 10, 2013: $3.66/g (U.S. Average: $3.56/g)
May 10, 2012: $4.03/g (U.S. Average: $3.73/g)
May 10, 2011: $4.01/g (U.S. Average: $3.95/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:
Tacoma- $3.57/g, up 0.8 cents per gallon from last week's $3.56/g.
Seattle- $3.63/g, up 1 cent per gallon from last week's $3.62/g.
Washington- $3.41/g, up 0.4 cents per gallon from last week's $3.41/g.