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Not much gas relief expected

by BRIAN WALKER/bwalker@cdapress.com
| July 4, 2014 9:00 PM

COEUR d'ALENE - Motorists shouldn't expect relief at the pump on the Fourth of July weekend, but that won't deter travel plans either, according to AAA Idaho.

Coeur d'Alene's average gas price was $3.59 on Wednesday, one cent more than a month ago. Post Falls' was $3.71, 12 cents more than a month ago.

Meanwhile, the state's average of $3.72 has passed the nation's average by a nickel.

"That may get Idahoans hot under the collar, but it is not expected to curtail travel plans during the holiday period," said Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho spokesman.

AAA expects 41 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday, with 34.8 million going by motor vehicle. Travel volume for this holiday is expected to be the highest since 2007. AAA Idaho expects 169,000 Idahoans will share the roads in the Gem State.

Carlson said North Idaho gas prices are closer to the state average than they were earlier this year. Coeur d'Alene's average is the same as it was last year at this time, while Post Falls' is 4 cents higher.

"Gas prices have taken cues from higher oil prices and the effects of speculation by traders that disruption in production and transportation of oil in Iraq could tighten supplies," he said. "At the moment, oil has not been stopped or sabotaged. If that changed, oil prices could go higher."

However, this part of the United States has access to cheaper oil coming out of Canada and North Dakota, Carlson said.

"Refineries should be able to produce plenty of gas to meet driver demand, so prices may stay in the same range, perhaps even move lower," he said.