Merry Christmas! Gas prices decline

COEUR d'ALENE — The possibility of another global economic

slowdown and additional travel restrictions was enough to send crude oil prices into a free-fall on Friday, with the West Texas Intermediate dropping by $10 per barrel, according to AAA.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about the Omicron variant, so it’s too early to tell whether the recent drop in the price of crude is temporary or if it will persist,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde. “In the meantime, fuel demand is expected to fall, which could bring some relief at the pump as we approach the Christmas holiday.”

Idaho’s average price for regular currently sits at $3.68 per gallon, which is a penny less than a week ago and three cents less than a month ago.

Kootenai County prices ranged from the low $3.20s to a low $3.30s for a gallon of regular unleaded. The average prices in Coeur d'Alene was $3.35.

The national average is $3.39, which is 2 cents less than a week ago and a penny less than a month ago. The Gem State remains in 8th place for most expensive fuel.

“With so many variables in play right now, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the market in the days and weeks ahead," Conde said.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday:

Boise - $3.79; Franklin - $3.67; Idaho Falls - $3.62; Lewiston - $3.29; Pocatello - $3.70; and Twin Falls - $3.82.