Tanker truck job losses throughout pandemic may trigger ache at gasoline pump – KIRO 7 Information Seattle

Gas prices have risen during the pandemic, and now another looming crisis could drive prices up and destroy many people’s summer travel plans.

Seattle’s average gasoline price was $ 2.99 a gallon in early February, but has since increased to an average of $ 3.60 a gallon.

KIRO 7 found that Blaine gas prices were roughly the same as Seattle gas prices.

When a reporter spoke to Kathy Barrow about what she saw, she said to him, “I usually pay $ 39 and now it’s $ 44 to replenish it. So actually it has risen quite a bit. I drive a lot for work, so it has a pretty big impact. “

As the nation emerges from the pandemic, a shortage of skilled tanker drivers delivering gasoline to gas stations has been a problem.

“I know the industry as a whole has a dramatic shortage of drivers,” said Mike Nord of Western Truck.

It’s a new reason Washington state gas prices could rise above $ 4.00 a gallon.

“That is outrageous. I’ll probably stay home, ”said Barrow.

Some states are already reporting gas shortages that could bring prices to their highest level in years.