Idaho in top 10 — for gas prices
Idaho just made another top 10 list: Most expensive gas.
And don't expect prices to go down anytime soon.
“Every week seems to bring another gut punch to Idaho drivers and their counterparts across the country, and even a slight drop in the price of crude oil isn’t doing much to relieve the pain,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “At this point, we expect gas prices to maintain an overall upward trajectory well into the Fourth of July weekend and beyond.”
Coeur d'Alene's average price for a gallon of regular unleaded climbed above $5 a gallon, settling at $5.03. Some Coeur d'Alene stations were selling gas at $5.09, if you used cash, and $5.19 for credit.
AAA said Monday that the current average price for regular in the Gem State is $5.17 per gallon, which is 7 cents more than a week ago and 57 cents more than a month ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. average is $4.98, which is 3 cents less than a week ago and 39 cents more than a month ago.
Idaho pump prices are the ninth-highest in the nation, behind California ($6.40), Nevada ($5.64), Alaska ($5.61), Hawaii ($5.55), Washington ($5.54), Oregon ($5.54), Illinois ($5.51) and Arizona ($5.38).
The good news is that after 20-cent and 18-cent jumps in the last two weeks, soaring Idaho gas prices slowed this week, while the national average reversed course — at least temporarily.
The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $110 per barrel after hitting $122 just over a week ago. Ongoing market uncertainty and tight global and domestic supplies continue to put upward pressure on both crude and gas prices, and fuel demand is also expected to build with the summer driving season in full swing, according to AAA.
“Everyone’s making tough choices to save money on fuel right now, and for some people, that means driving the practical car instead of the ‘fun’ one,” Conde said.
Gas prices around Idaho as of Monday:
Boise, $5.21; Coeur d’Alene, $5.03; Franklin, $5.13; Idaho Falls, $5.11; and Lewiston, $5.06.