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Idaho gas prices keep tumbling

| December 15, 2020 1:00 AM

COEUR d'ALENE — COVID-19 restrictions continue to have a profound impact on the price of gas.

According to AAA, the demand for fuel has dropped four weeks in a row, and currently sits at its lowest level since May. In response, Idaho gas prices fell by another two cents this week.

Several stations around Kootenai County are close to $2 for a gallon of unleaded.

Meanwhile, the U.S. average increased by half a penny due to the higher price of crude oil. The market continues to believe that better days are ahead, with speculators expressing optimism that a vaccine will diminish the effects of the pandemic and restore business and travel activity. Idaho’s average price for regular is now just eight cents higher than the national average.

Today, drivers in the Gem State are paying an average of $2.24 per gallon, which is seven cents less than a month ago and 60 cents less than a year ago, according to AAA.

The current U.S. average is $2.16, which is three cents more than a month ago, but 40 cents less than a year ago. Idaho dropped another place in the national ranking and is currently 13th in the country for most expensive fuel.

“Gasoline demand is down 14 percent year-over-year, and we are seeing prices that reflect the increased restrictions that are being instituted in various states,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “But the good news is that those who are still out and about are seeing some nice savings when they fill up.”

Here’s a selection of Idaho gas prices as of Monday.

Boise - $2.24; Coeur d’Alene - $2.10; Franklin - $2.27; Idaho Falls - $2.18; Lewiston - $2.36; Pocatello - $2.25; Twin Falls - $2.30