What a relief it is
<p>Jason Johnson, of Sandpoint, pumps gas into his truck at the A-N-D Mini Mart on North 4th Street and East Best Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. Gas prices have dropped by .28 cents in the past month. “I come down to Coeur d’Alene to fill up because gas prices are lower here,” Johnson said.</p>
Local gas prices keep tumbling, but they still haven't caught up with the national scene.
Wednesday's average in Coeur d'Alene was $3.20 per gallon - down from $3.61 heading into the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to AAA.
"Low demand combined with abundant supply is pushing oil prices even lower," said Dave Carlson, AAA spokesman.
Coeur d'Alene's average is the lowest among Idaho's seven metropolitan areas. Lewiston is the highest at $3.51. One pump price in Plummer on Wednesday was $3.05.
Idaho's average is $3.44 - the lowest it has been since April 21, but 26 cents more than the national average of $3.18.
"Despite its precipitous 28-cent drop in pump prices this month, Idaho is still playing catch-up with the rest of the country," Carlson said.
"I suspect we'll see Idaho prices narrow the gap in the next month."
Idaho's average is the seventh-highest in the country. The U.S. mark hasn't been this low since Nov. 12.
Oil is taking a hit, too.
Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) closed $3.90 lower on Tuesday at $81.84 a barrel. The last time it was that price was in 2012.
Bearish oil prices mean lower pump prices will likely be around for the next month or two, Carlson said.
Hawaii and Alaska share the distinction for the highest prices in the country, at $4.12 and $3.88, respectively. Other high-price states in the West include: California, $3.58; Oregon, $3.48; and Washington, $3.48.
Meanwhile, 10 states boast prices lower than $3 a gallon, including Missouri at $2.87 and South Carolina at $2.96.