Part 5/10:
Despite promises that these measures would result in only pennies per gallon increases, actual prices have defied expectations. Gas prices in Washington now exceed those of the previous year—making it the only U.S. state where fuel costs are higher than they were 12 months ago. This enduring inflation is linked directly to increased taxes and regulatory costs, notably a recent 55-cent-per-gallon gas tax hike, tied to inflation adjustments.