Idaho gas prices fall 9 cents

COEUR d'ALENE — The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.28 on Monday, which is 9 cents less than a week ago, 19 cents less than a month ago, and 56 cents less than a year ago, according to AAA.

The national average currently sits at $3.10 per gallon, which is 3 cents cheaper than a week ago, 8 cents less than a month ago, and 33 cents less than a year ago. Idaho currently ranks eighth in the country for most expensive fuel behind Hawaii ($4.57), California ($4.55), Washington ($4.03), Nevada ($3.79), Oregon ($3.61), Alaska ($3.59) and Pennsylvania ($3.31).

AAA said the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Coeur d'Alene was $3.10 on Monday, with lows near $2.90.

“For most of last week, the cost of crude oil dipped below $70 per barrel. That translated to relief at the pump, despite a slight surge in fuel demand,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “We’ll continue to monitor the crude oil market in the aftermath of the general election.”

Today, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $71 per barrel, which is $4 more than a week ago, $3 less than a month ago, and $9 less than a year ago.

According to recent data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand jumped by nearly 300,000 barrels to 9.15 million barrels per day, while crude oil stocks dipped slightly by 0.5 million barrels. However, recent supply and demand pressures were not enough to prevent gas prices from slipping this week.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.28; Franklin, $3.32; Idaho Falls, $3.10; Lewiston, $3.37 and Pocatello, $3.31.