Washington on Monday counted the highest average gas price in the country at $4.658 per gallon, according to AAA.

That’s $1.481 more than the U.S. average of $3.177 per gallon.

California came in a close second with a cost of $4.653 per gallon, while Hawaii came next at $4.478.

On the other hand, Mississippi had the cheapest prices at $2.702, followed by Oklahoma at $2.761 and Louisiana at $2.770.

Washington’s dubious distinction comes two months after the state’s gas-tax hike took effect, a controversial increase that lawmakers passed to help fill a sizable transportation-budget shortfall fueled by inflation and the shift to electric and fuel-efficient cars.

Prices vary some within the state. As of Sept. 15, the average price of gas per gallon in Thurston County was $4.65, while it w

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