Part 8/11:
Across the West Coast and increasingly in other regions, a surge in fuel prices is evident. In Washington State, for example, gasoline costs approach five dollars per gallon, driven by similar policies. As refining capacity diminishes, consumers will face further increases, with some experts warning prices could easily reach six dollars or more per gallon.
High fuel costs have multiplier effects—raising prices for goods, increasing transportation costs, and squeezing household budgets. The financial strain is particularly harsh on lower-income residents who can least afford these sudden price spikes.