Idaho gas prices among lowest

In a rare turn of events, Idaho drivers are paying less for a gallon of regular gasoline than the national average. But higher prices may be on the horizon, according to AAA.

The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.05, which is about 3 cents less than a week ago, 3 cents more than a month ago, and about the same price as a year ago.  

The U.S. average sits at $3.07, which is about half a penny more than a week ago, 5 cents more than a month ago, and about the same price as a year ago. 

Idaho currently ranks 16th in the country for the most expensive fuel. Today’s most expensive gas is in Hawaii at $4.55 per gallon, and the cheapest fuel can be found in Oklahoma at $2.59 per gallon. 

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $2.96 while in Bonner County, the cost is $2.84. In Kootenai County, prices range from the high $2.50s to the low $2.70s and in Shoshone County, the average price is $3.26.

“After trending 30 or 40 cents cheaper per gallon for most of last year, the savings have come to a close,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “We’re faring better than some other parts of the country, and we’re within range of the $3 mark, which is great — but crude oil is extremely volatile right now. With additional sanctions on Russian crude, global market concerns about future supply are driving up oil prices, and there could be a ripple effect at the pump.” 

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $78 per barrel, which is $4 more than a week ago, $8 more than a month ago, and $6 more than a year ago. Crude oil makes up more than half of the price of finished gasoline, so if the cost of crude remains high, gas prices will follow, even though fuel demand has cooled with the weather. 

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Tuesday: Boise, $3.04; Franklin, $2.99; Idaho Falls, $3.05; and Lewiston, $3.04.