Gas prices sky-high for Fourth
Gas prices are above $5 a gallon at many Coeur d'Alene stations, like this one on Tuesday.
BILL BULEY/Press
COEUR d'ALENE - Idaho drivers will face the highest gas prices yet for the Fourth of July weekend, but that won't keep them from hitting the road.
Nearly 50 million Americans, including nearly 300,000 Idahoans, are projected to travel for Independence Day, according to AAA.
“Travel has returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels, and surprisingly, travel by car is projected to be the busiest on record for the holiday weekend, despite much higher pump prices than in recent years,” said Matthew Conde AAA Idaho public affairs director.
The price of a gallon of unleaded gas in the Coeur d'Alene was averaging less than $5, ranging from low of about $4.85 to a high of about $5.09.
Statewide, the average price for gallon of regular is $5.22, which is 3 cents more than a week ago and 50 cents more than a month ago.
Meanwhile, the national average has declined over the past two weeks, and sits at $4.88 per gallon, which is 9 cents less than a week ago but 22 cents more than a month ago.
If you're one of the travelers, you might want to avoid leaving Thursday and Friday afternoon, which are expected to be the busiest times on the road, while Thursday afternoon and Friday morning will likely be the busiest times at the airport.
Gas prices around Idaho as of Tuesday: Boise, $5.29; Franklin, $5.17; Idaho Falls, $5.15; Lewiston, $4.98; Pocatello, $5.20; and Twin Falls, $5.31.