BOISE – Idaho drivers find themselves in an unusual position today – the state is off the top ten list for most expensive gas. According to AAA, Idaho currently ranks 13th in the nation for most expensive fuel as devastating winter storms and holiday travel sent prices higher in other parts of the country.
Today, Idaho’s average price for regular gasoline is $3.40 per gallon, which is three cents less than a week ago and 46 cents less than a month ago. Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $3.28 per gallon, which is six cents more than a week ago and just four cents less than a month ago. The two averages are now just 12 cents apart.
“The national average rose daily starting on Christmas Eve, as holiday travel and severe weather motivated drivers to fill up. But fortunately, Idaho was spared from the recent spike, and prices here have continued to drop,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Now that some of those issues have resolved, both the Idaho and U.S. average prices could take a downward trajectory this week, barring any disruptions in the cost of crude oil.”
According to the Energy Information Administration, gas demand dropped from 9.3 to 7.5 million barrels per day last week. Lower demand has stabilized the national average, which dropped a penny over the weekend.
The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $75 per barrel, which is $2 less than a week ago and $4 more than a month ago. Crude prices declined last week amid concerns of a global recession and rising COVID-19 cases in China. If economic concerns persist, crude prices could fall this week, bringing down gas prices in the process.
Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of 1/9/23:
- Boise – $3.44
- Coeur d’Alene – $3.15
- Franklin – $3.19
- Idaho Falls – $3.39
- Lewiston – $3.50
- Pocatello – $3.37
- Rexburg – $3.44
- Twin Falls – $3.43