Gas price rising

COEUR d'ALENE — Despite low fuel demand, gas prices are ticking up due to the rising price of crude oil. This week, drivers in every state, including Idaho, paid more to fill up, with 14 states jumping by 7 cents or more.

Recent gas price activity marks the first substantial increase in the month of January since 2009. Then, as now, oil prices were increasing significantly.

“There was a slight dip in crude oil prices to end the week, partly based on market concern that the rising number of COVID-19 cases could lead to further restrictions and even less fuel demand," said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde. "But the overall trend is that of rising crude oil prices, and that’s been enough to keep pump prices climbing even with demand being down."

Prices in Kootenai County remain near the $2 per gallon range, with some stations around $2.15

Idaho drivers are paying an average of $2.27 for regular, which is 3 cents more than a month ago but 34 cents cheaper than a year ago. The Gem State ranks fifth in the country for the largest year-over-year savings. The national average currently sits at $2.39, which is 17 cents more than a month ago, but 16 cents less than a year ago.

“Prices are going up everywhere, and Idaho is no exception,” Conde said. “But we remain well below the national average, and that’s a rare position for our state to be in, so we’ll take it.”

West Texas Intermediate crude oil is currently trading at $53 per barrel. That’s $4 more expensive than a month ago, but $5 cheaper than a year ago.

Here’s a selection of Idaho gas prices as of Tuesday: Boise, $2.31; Franklin, $2.19, Idaho Falls, $2.17 and Twin Falls, $2.25