Idaho gas prices sixth-lowest in U.S.

Yes, gas prices are rising, but it could be worse.

Gem State motorists are paying less at the pump than drivers are paying to refuel in 44 other states, reports AAA Idaho.

Today, the average price for regular grade gasoline in Idaho is $3.45 per gallon, up nine cents in the past month.

"Six cents of that increase occurred in just the past week, suggesting that supply-driven factors, not demand, are at play," states a AAA press release.

The U.S. average gas price today is $3.67, up 14 cents in the past 30 days.

* States with the highest pump prices include Hawaii, $4.33; California, $4.22; Illinois, $3.88.

* States with the lowest prices include Montana, $3.36; Utah, $3.40; Missouri and Mississippi, both at $3.42.

Both the U.S. and Idaho average marks a year ago were $3.52.

"Seasonal supply fluctuations tied to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on refineries in the U.S. have been minimal thus far," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. But over the past few days, a number of refineries had to temporarily shut down or restart in order to perform unscheduled maintenance, he said.

"Up until this past week, prices across most of Idaho had been very stable," Carlson said.

Disruptions during the planned changeover to summer grade fuel scheduled for May 1 can put upward pressure on prices.

Global crude oil prices remain elevated as Russia and Western powers attempt to broker a deal over the situation in Ukraine. Closer to home, West Texas Intermediate yesterday closed at $104.37 a barrel on the NYMEX. A year ago, WTI was trading at approximately $88 a barrel.

Here's how current prices for regular grade gasoline compare at cities throughout the state: Coeur d'Alene, $3.36; Twin Falls, $3.33; Lewiston, $3.51; Pocatello, $3.35; Idaho Falls, $3.38; Boise, $3.53; Nampa, $3.54.