Gas prices going up

COEUR d'ALENE — According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $4.06, which is a nickel more than a week ago and 15 cents more than a month ago.

Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $3.85 per gallon, which is two cents more than a week ago and 28 cents more than a month ago.

Today, Idaho ranks ninth in the country for most expensive fuel, trailing California ($5.15), Washington ($5.03), Hawaii ($4.78), Oregon ($4.68), Alaska ($4.48), Nevada ($4.39), Illinois ($4.16) and Utah ($4.08).

Eleven states and the District of Columbia are currently above the $4 mark.

Prices in Coeur d'Alene were around the $4 mark.

“Idaho gas prices dropped in July, bucking the national trend. But unfortunately, the ripple effects are catching up with us in August,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Right now, we’re experiencing a one-two punch of strong fuel demand and expensive crude oil, both of which translate to pain at the pump that could continue through Labor Day.”

According to the Energy Information Administration, gas demand jumped from 8.84 to 9.3 million barrels per day last week, while total gasoline stocks decreased by about three million barrels.

And the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $82 per barrel, which is about the same as a week ago and $7 more than a month ago. Both factors are playing a part in expensive fill-ups.

Idaho gas prices as of Monday compared with a week ago: Boise, $4.07 (+8 cents); Franklin, $4.08 (-5 cents); Idaho Falls, $3.98 (+5 cents) and Lewiston, $4.02 (+9 cents).