BOISE – Ongoing conflict in the Middle East means continued pain at the pump, both for Idaho drivers and across the country.
According to AAA, today’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.51, which is three cents more than yesterday, 32 cents more than a week ago and an eye-watering 55 cents more than a month ago.
The national average currently sits at $3.60 per gallon. That’s two cents more than yesterday, 34 cents more than a week ago, and 66 cents more than a month ago.
“The fact that we’re even sharing a day-by-day comparison really underscores how turbulent the market is these days,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Crude oil hit $110 per barrel over the weekend, calmed to around $85 – if you want to call it ‘calmed’, and is now back up to $94. For context, we ended the month of February with the West Texas Intermediate trading near $67 per barrel. This conflict has been a major jolt to the system.”
Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the conflict ends. If shipping traffic cannot resume, or if Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Middle Eastern neighbors damage critical infrastructure, oil prices could remain elevated in the coming days.
“We believe that for the time being, most Americans will follow through on Spring Break trips that are already bought and paid for,” Conde said. “Reducing your freeway speed by five to ten MPH can increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 14%. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and try to avoid idling and heavy traffic congestion where possible.”