Drivers are starting to feel the pinch at the pump with gas prices climbing sharply in recent weeks. 

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the Tri-Cities is $3.75 this week, up 11 cents compared to a week ago, up 21 cents compared to a month ago and up 13 cents compared to this same time last year, according to AAA. 

Crude oil inventories have increased and domestic gas supply grew by a few million barrels in the past week. But AAA says the threat of tariffs and their potential disruption of markets is driving prices up. The U.S. is a net oil importer, with Canada as the primary foreign supplier, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

Washington state is one of the most expensive states to buy gasoline at an average $3.99 per gallon. Benton and Franklin counties have among the lowest gas prices in the state. 

When it comes to electrical vehicles, the national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station has stayed flat at about 34 cents per kilowatt hour. Washington’s charging rate is slightly lower, just above 33 cents per kilowatt hour.