If you’re feeling a pinch at the pump, you’re not alone.
Gas prices in the Seattle area increased 42 cents to $3.35 per gallon from March through April, according to a report released Wednesday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 14.8 cents higher than gas prices were at this time last year.
Of the major metropolitan regions, the BLS reports Seattle’s gas is tied with Honolulu for fifth most expensive in the nation. Outside California, Seattle has the priciest gas in mainland U.S.
Seattle’s gas is typically more expensive than other areas of the U.S. Over the last five years Seattle has stayed within 15.6% of the national average, according to the BLS.
However, current prices aren’t nearly as high as June 2008 when Seattle skyrocketed to a record $4.32 per gallon.
Meanwhile, electricity and natural gas prices in Seattle are less expensive than other areas, according to the BLS. Seattleites pay 11.2 cents per kilowatt of electricity, which is 17% less than the national average. Natural gas costs about $1.02 per therm, which was 1.5% below average in April.