Idaho gas prices inch higher

COEUR d'ALENE — The cost of crude oil is on the rise, and Idaho drivers are starting to feel the effects at the pump.

According to AAA, today’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.39, which is a penny and a half more than Monday, but a penny less than a week ago and 27 cents less than a month ago.

Coeur d'Alene prices generally remained just above $3 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.32 per gallon, which is 6 cents more than a week ago and 17 cents more than a month ago.

Idaho’s average price is just 7 cents above the national average, and the Gem State ranks 15th in the country for most expensive fuel.

“Right now, gasoline demand is fairly flat, which makes sense given the colder temperatures and people not traveling as much," said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. "But as fears of a global economic recession eased a bit this week, the cost of crude oil has started climbing, which puts upward pressure on pump prices."

He said Utah saw a seven-cent jump this week. Idaho drivers could soon feel the ripple effect.

AAA says that flat gasoline demand and growing supplies helped curb the hike in fuel prices this week, and demand is not expected to surge until closer to spring break.

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $80 per barrel, which is $5 more than a week ago and $6 more than a month ago.

A look at Idaho gas prices as of Tuesday include Boise at $3.41; Idaho Falls at $3.31; Lewiston at $3.49 and Twin Falls at $3.40.