Idaho gas prices drop a bit

COEUR d'ALENE — According to AAA, Idaho gas prices dropped 2 cents this week, even as the national average increased by half a penny.

While gas prices in places like Twin Falls and Pocatello held steady on the week, other areas like Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls saw prices drop a couple of cents. The biggest savings were felt in the Treasure Valley, where pump prices in Boise dropped by a nickel.

A gallon of unleaded in Kootenai County was in the range of $2.20 to about $2.40.

Idaho’s average price is $2.42, which is two cents less than a week ago and 34 cents less than a year ago. The current U.S. average price is $2.19, half a penny more than a week ago and 47 cents cheaper than a year ago.

The latest report from the Energy Information Administration shows that the U.S. demand for fuel hit 8.5 million barrels per day this week, a slight increase from a week ago. But restrictions associated with the pandemic have held demand nearly 850,000 b/d lower than they were last year.

“The interesting thing is that there could be some very site-specific fuel demand in the coming weeks. Simply put, the places that are more open to visitors will be a magnet for people who need to use up vacation time or who are looking to get out of the house,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde.