Gas prices rise in Kootenai County

According to AAA, Monday’s average price for a gallon of regular in Idaho was $3.38, which was 9 cents more than a week ago and 7 cents more than a month ago, but about 19 cents less than a year ago.

The national average sits at $3.22, which is 8 cents more than a week ago and 2 cents more than a month ago, but 23 cents cheaper than a year ago.

Idaho currently ranks eighth in the country for the most expensive fuel, behind California ($4.66), Hawaii ($4.48), Washington ($4.44), Oregon ($4.07), Nevada ($3.82), Alaska ($3.73) and Illinois ($3.43).

Coeur d'Alene area gas prices are about $3.43 a gallon.

“We’re still faring better than a year ago, but the margin is shrinking,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Any time geopolitical tensions make the market jumpy, we risk seeing higher prices for crude oil. Add in the beginning of summer travel, and you’re looking at a one-two punch that is driving prices higher at the pump.”

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $70 per barrel, about $8 more than a month ago. Today, prices are easing slightly after approaching $74 per barrel late last week, but if the cost of crude climbs due to global supply chain issues or heightened conflicts in the Middle East, gas prices could follow suit, according to AAA.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.32; Franklin, $3.23; Idaho Falls, $3.32; and Lewiston, $3.40.