Gas prices drop
Traffic flows past the Spirit station in downtown Coeur d'Alene, where a gallon of regular unleaded was going for $3.92 on Monday.
COEUR d'ALENE — A slight dip in gasoline demand and crude oil prices led to a modest decrease at the pumps this week.
According to AAA, the price of crude oil briefly dropped below $95 per barrel last week but is now trading near $110 per barrel. If the pattern of higher crude prices continues, pump prices will likely follow.
Idaho’s average price for regular on Monday was $4.35 per gallon, which is a penny less than a week ago and 83 cents more than a month ago, according to AAA. Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $4.25, which is eight cents less than a week ago and 72 cents more than a month ago.
Coeur d'Alene gas prices ranged from the low $3.90s to nearly $4.20 for a gallon of regular unleaded.
“Fuel demand fell this week as higher gas prices likely motivated some of the folks who were on the fence about taking a road trip to change course,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.
He said according to booking data, flights, tours, car rentals and hotels are trending above pre-pandemic levels for March, April and May in places like Florida, Mexico and Hawaii.
According to recent AAA research, 59% of Americans say they will adjust their driving habits when the price of fill-ups hits $4 per gallon, and 75% will make changes at the $5 mark.
But of the 52% of Americans who are planning a summer vacation, nearly half say they will not modify their trip, regardless of the price of gasoline.
This spring, top warm-weather destinations include: Orland, Phoenix, Cancun and Honolulu.
Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday:
Boise, $4.44; Franklin, $4.30; Idaho Falls, $4.25; Lewiston, $4.11.