SWX:TXXD 6 January 2026

April 22, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT. Car dealers in Seattle report increasing difficulty keeping hybrid vehicles in stock as Washington state gas prices rise above $5. The surge in demand for fuel-efficient cars is driving up auction prices, nearly doubling costs for dealers sourcing used hybrids like Generation 2 Priuses. Some buyers are temporarily selling their gas-guzzlers and opting for public transit while waiting to purchase hybrids. Despite national gas averaging $4.02, Washington drivers face higher costs, currently around $5.38 per gallon. Dealers expect sustained demand through summer, advising consumers to maintain existing vehicles as a cost-effective strategy amid tight inventory and elevated prices.