Gas prices see fickle week

Idaho gas prices bobbed up and down throughout the week, settling at a penny and a half more than a week ago. But when it comes to rising prices, AAA officials said in a Monday press release that the tide will begin to come in soon.

The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.18 on Monday. While that’s a penny and half more than a week ago, it’s also a penny less than a month ago and nearly 11 cents less than a year ago. Idaho remains in 11th place for the most expensive fuel.

“If you’re taking a glass half full approach, you feel some comfort from the fact that Utah, which supplies most of our gasoline, is still hovering near the $3 mark. That could give us another calm week,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “However, higher gas prices are on the way, especially with Spring Break around the corner. We hope to delay the inevitable surge in demand for another week or two.”

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.29 while in Boundary County, the average price is $3.26. In Kootenai County, prices are averaging $3.03 a gallon, with many some stations in the $2.80s. In Shoshone County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded is $3.50 and in Benewah County, $3.24.

The national average sits at $3.09 per gallon, about a penny less than a week ago, 5 cents less than a month ago, and more than 30 cents less than a year ago. Regional neighbors Washington ($4.10), Nevada ($3.76), and Oregon ($3.73) are paying more than Idaho drivers, while Montana ($3.14), Utah ($3.01), Wyoming ($2.99), and Colorado ($2.97) are paying less.

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $66 per barrel, after spending more than a month near the $70 mark. A lower cost of crude could help stabilize pump prices in the short term. Today’s price is $6 less than a month ago and $12 less than a year ago.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.15; Franklin, $2.99; Idaho Falls, $3.10; Lewiston, $3.21; Pocatello, $3.13 and Twin Falls, $3.20.