Rising gas prices may be tied to tight supplies

While the national average price of gas declined slightly on the week to $2.21, Idaho prices climbed another 6 cents — widening the gap to 26 cents a gallon — and pushing Idaho’s average price to $2.37, according to AAA Idaho.

Idaho and the U.S. average prices briefly matched up at $2.05, just five weeks ago. Since then, Idaho’s average price has risen 32 cents, the third-fastest increase in the nation — enough to place Idaho’s average price 10th highest among all states.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, total U.S. gasoline supplies are at their highest levels on record for the start of May, and gas prices are well below levels from a year ago, contributing to drivers taking to the roads at record levels. Idaho’s average price a year ago was $2.76, compared to a U.S. average price of $2.66.

Yet despite the availability of cheap, abundant oil and ample gas supplies, regional volatility related to problems at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, Calif., may again have something to do with higher prices in the region. A year ago, a fire and explosion at the same refinery cut production, causing shortages that pushed prices higher throughout the region, including Idaho.

“Finished gasoline intended for Idaho and Utah was likely diverted then and again this year to the Las Vegas market,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. “That redistribution could shorten supplies here, resulting in the run-up of Idaho prices.”

Six of the 10 highest state prices on Tuesday were in the West:

California, $2.80; Washington, $2.50; Nevada, $2.48; Oregon, $2.40; Utah, $2.39; Idaho, $2.37. But Idaho neighbors, Montana, $2.13 and Wyoming, $2.17 appear unaffected, with prices below the U.S. average.

“Motorists may notice that prices at some locations have gone up at 5 to 8 cents at a time in recent weeks,” Carlson said. Less understood may be the disparity between cities like Coeur d’Alene where the average price today is $2.09, compared to Boise’s $2.46 average.

Other Idaho prices on Tuesday: Pocatello, $2.38; Idaho Falls, $2.25, Twin Falls, $2.33, Nampa, $2.46; Lewiston, $2.36.