Gem State’s average gas price is 19 cents cheaper than a year ago

According to AAA, Monday’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.18, about the same price as a week ago, but four cents less than a month ago and 19 cents less than a year ago.

The national average currently sits at $3.08 per gallon, which is about a penny less than a week ago, but eight cents less than a month ago and 38 cents less than a year ago.

Idaho once again held steady in 11th place for the most expensive fuel, with regional neighbors in Washington ($4.08), Nevada ($3.73) and Oregon ($3.72) paying more while drivers in Montana ($3.11), Utah ($3.03), Wyoming ($3.01) and Colorado ($2.93) are paying less.

A gallon of gas in Coeur d'Alene is going for an average of $2.99 a gallon.

“This is the beginning of spring break for some parts of our state, which could inject a little more gasoline demand into the equation,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “But for now, we’ll take the win — we’re in better shape than a year ago, which hopefully gives drivers a bit of a financial cushion if prices start to climb in the next few weeks.”

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading at $68 per gallon and has been under the $70 mark for the entire month of March. Cheaper crude oil, which makes up more than half of the price of finished gasoline, helps stabilize fuel prices.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.18; Franklin, $3.05; Idaho Falls, $3.14; Lewiston, $3.17; Pocatello, $3.16; and Twin Falls, $3.21.