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Gas prices expected to increase

| October 6, 2021 1:00 AM

The U.S. average price for regular fuel is at its most expensive in seven years as the price of crude oil climbed toward $78 per barrel Monday, according to AAA.

Market uncertainty and tight supplies are the cause of the higher crude prices, which make up about half the price of finished gasoline.

“Lately, the price to fill up in Idaho has been slowly dropping, but with big jumps hitting so many other parts of the country, it may only be a matter of time before we follow suit,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Hurricane activity and continued production cuts by OPEC have both played a part in keeping the price of crude oil high.”

The price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Kootenai County ranges from the low $3.30s to the high $3.40s.

Idaho’s average price for regular is $3.73, which is two cents less than a week ago and seven cents less than a month ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. average currently sits at $3.20, a penny more than a week ago and two cents more than a month ago.

According to the Energy Information Administration, domestic gasoline stocks increased slightly last week, but so did fuel demand. Crude oil supplies remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Some Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.85; Franklin, $3.75; Idaho Falls, $3.66; Lewiston, $3.37 and

Twin Falls, $3.83.