Motorists receive an early gift
<p>Brian Leach pumps gas into his motorized bike on Tuesday at the Mobil gas station on Northwest Boulevard near downtown Coeur d’Alene.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE — Brian Leach left a Coeur d'Alene gas station smiling on Tuesday.
The Coeur d'Alene man filled up his motorized bike at the Mobil station on Government Way for $1.50.
"It sure doesn't cost much to fill it up," he said, referring to both the lower gas prices in general and the small tank on his bike.
Leach said the bike is an economical way to get around the city and Tuesday's daytime wind and resulting snow melt helped his mode of travel. He said the dropping local fuel prices are a reason to celebrate heading into the holidays.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Coeur d'Alene on Monday was $2.22 — 17 cents cheaper than a month ago, according to AAA.
In Post Falls, the average was $2.38 on Monday, which was a 6-cent drop from a month ago.
Idaho pump prices continue to defy the national trend, steadily falling even as the national average has been rising.
The state's average on Monday was $2.25 (16 cents lower than a month ago), while the nation's number was $2.24 (a dime higher than a month ago).
"The timing couldn’t be better for holiday travelers anxious to visit family and friends throughout the Gem State and beyond," said Matthew Conde, AAA public affairs manager.
In the weeks following OPEC’s (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) Nov. 30 announcement its partners would reduce global oil production beginning Jan. 1, concerns over future supply put upward pressure on gas prices across the country.
Conde said when Idaho’s prices recently dipped below the national average, it ended a streak of higher prices that began in March 2015.
"Idahoans have consistently paid 30 cents more per gallon this year when compared to their national counterparts," Conde said. "Recent price changes have finally leveled the playing field."
Conde said national gas prices sharply overreacted to the proposed oil production cuts OPEC recently announced, especially since the cuts won’t begin to take effect until Jan. 1.
"Thus far, abundant gas distribution in Idaho has allowed the state to weather most of the recent speculation across the country," Conde said.
Conde said Idaho lags behind most of the country when prices change, and if future supply fears continue to put upward pressure on prices across the country, Idaho will eventually follow suit.
"It won’t be a matter of if, but when," he said. "This year, the timing of these price changes may be more difficult to predict, because the market is more reactionary than you would typically see this time of year. The typical seasonal price drop may be more short-lived than usual."
As for future gas prices, much will depend on how the market reacts in coming weeks and months, and whether or not OPEC-member countries honor their production agreement, Conde said.
AAA predicts a record number of year-end travelers — more than 103 million — will travel 50 miles or more to visit family and friends from Friday through Jan. 3. AAA estimates 514,000 Idahoans will embark on a holiday travel adventure.
Gas price average comparisons
Monday month ago 6 months ago year ago
Coeur d’Alene $2.22 $2.39 $2.41 $2.03
Post Falls $2.38 $2.44 $2.45 $2.11
Idaho $2.25 $2.41 $2.48 $2.14
nation $2.24 $2.14 $2.33 $2.00
SOURCE: AAA