BOISE – Temperatures are plummeting across the state, and Idaho gas prices are following suit.

According to AAA, today’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.17, which is a nickel less than a week ago, 39 cents less than a month ago, and 26 cents less than a year ago.  Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $3.10, which is two cents less than a week ago, 14 cents less than a month ago, and 11 cents less than a year ago.

Idaho ranks 15th in the country for most expensive fuel.  Montana and Utah, which supply much of Idaho’s finished gasoline, currently rank 26th and 35th, respectively.

“Gas prices are like doing the limbo – everyone wants to know how low they can go,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “We see the potential for the Idaho average to approach or even fall below the $3 mark, but that would require low seasonal demand and a resilient supply chain to keep things moving in the right direction.  We’ll keep our fingers crossed, as a lower starting point can have serious implications for the spring and summer driving seasons.”

Idaho pump prices – the year in review

Both the Idaho and U.S. averages leveled off during the heart of the summer, before plunging dramatically in mid-September.

Idaho’s lowest price for the year was $3.18 for a gallon of regular on December 31, and prices topped out at $4.22 per gallon on September 1 (right before Labor Day).  The national average hit a low of $3.07 per gallon on December 18, with its most expensive price of $3.87 on August 17.

“Pump prices weren’t as low as we would all like them to be, but Idaho drivers fared much better in 2023 than in 2022, paying an average of 56 cents less per gallon over the course of the year.  On the national level, drivers paid 43 cents less in 2023 than during the previous year,” Conde said.  “Russia’s attack on Ukraine sent the global price of crude oil soaring in 2022, and gas prices spiked in the process.  But despite continued conflict in that region and current fighting in Gaza, the lower cost of crude and cheaper gasoline gave drivers some much-needed relief in 2023.”

AAA says that if cold weather curbs fuel demand, pump prices could drop even further in the coming days and weeks.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of 1/2/24:

  • Boise – $3.26
  • Coeur d’Alene – $3.38
  • Franklin – $2.85
  • Idaho Falls – $2.89
  • Lewiston – $3.61
  • Pocatello – $2.66
  • Rexburg – $2.99
  • Twin Falls – $3.08