Gas prices hold steady

According to AAA on Tuesday, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.04. That’s about half a penny cheaper than a week ago, and nearly 2 cents cheaper than a month ago, but 6 cents more than a year ago. 

The national average sits at $3.12 per gallon, about 6 cents more than a week ago, 8 cents more than a month ago, and a nickel more than a year ago. In recent weeks, Idaho has dropped all the way to 23rd in the country for most expensive fuel.

In Boundary County, the cost is $2.91.8 while in Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $2.98.6. In Kootenai County, prices are in the $2.70s and were back into the $2.80s at many stations. A few weeks ago they were in the $2.50s.

“The cost of crude oil has surged recently, in part because of increased demand for heating oil in the eastern U.S. – a refined product that’s used to heat many buildings. Higher demand, higher prices,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “On the other hand, gasoline demand is fairly modest and shouldn’t add much pressure to the equation for the time being.” 

After hitting $80 per barrel last week, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $76 per barrel, which is about $2 less than a week ago, but $6 more than a month ago and $1 more than a year ago. 

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Tuesday: Boise, $3.01; Franklin, $2.95; Idaho Falls, $3.06; Lewiston, $3.05; and Twin Falls, $3.09.