Idaho gas prices inch up

COEUR d'ALENE — Idaho drivers are experiencing some turbulence at the pump, and the trend may continue this week. 

According to AAA, Monday’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.63, which was 6 cents more than a week ago and 3 cents more than a month ago, but 38 cents cheaper than a year ago.

Meanwhile, the national average currently was at $3.47 per gallon, which was 4 cents less than a week ago and a month ago, and 36 cents less than a year ago. With recent price movements, Idaho is now back in the Top 10 at 10th place for most expensive fuel in the country.

Coeur d'Alene area prices ranged from lows of around $3.20 to the $3.40s for a gallon of gas.

Prior to this week’s uptick, Gem State gas prices had been steadily falling since mid-April.

“We’ve already seen pump prices dip by two cents in the last couple of days, so it’s too early to tell if we’re going to see much in the way of increases this week,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “We may see prices take a few twists and turns as travelers use the remaining weeks of summer for another road trip or two.”

According to the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand slipped by 200,000 barrels per day, with a corresponding drop in production. Gasoline stocks decreased by four million barrels. Meanwhile, refinery production is at 90% of capacity nationwide, a nearly 2% decrease, while refineries in the Rockies region dropped production by more than 4% to 88.9% of capacity.

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil has also had a bumpy ride, rising and falling by $1-$3 per barrel for each of the past several days. Crude oil makes up more than half of the price of gasoline.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as Monday: Boise, $3.68; Franklin, $3.59; Idaho Falls, $3.49; Lewiston, $3.50; Pocatello, $3.66; Rexburg, $3.53, Twin Falls, $3.65.