BOISE – With a record 119 million Americans dashing over the river and through the woods to visit friends and family for the holidays, gas prices are climbing again.
Today’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.06, which is six cents more than a week ago, but nine cents less than a month ago and 24 cents less than a year ago.
The national average currently sits at $3.05 per gallon, which is about two cents more than a week ago, but two cents less than a month ago and five cents less than a year ago. Today, Idaho ranks 16th in the country for most expensive fuel.
“Sadly, Idaho’s state average only fell below the $3 mark for one day before reversing course. With 107 million people going by car, we’re seeing a little upward pressure on gas prices right now,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Some travelers are leaving the state on vacation, others are arriving, and still more are just passing through. Most need to stop and fill up.”
Here’s a seven-year retrospective on Christmas Day gas prices:
| YEAR | IDAHO | U.S. |
| 2023 | $3.23 | $3.13 |
| 2022 | $3.47 | $3.10 |
| 2021 | $3.59 | $3.29 |
| 2020 | $2.22 | $2.25 |
| 2019 | $2.71 | $2.55 |
| 2018 | $2.61 | $2.31 |
| 2017 | $2.55 | $2.44 |
This afternoon will be one of the busiest days on the road and in the air. But regardless of the day you travel, get an early start on your road trip and give yourself extra time to park and get through the security line at the airport.
Best and worst times to travel
| Worst traffic | Thursday and Friday PM (12/19 and 12/20), and Sunday (12/22) |
| Best traffic | Early mornings, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day |
| Worst times to fly | Friday (12/20), Sunday (12/29), Monday (12/30) |
| Best times to fly | Early mornings, Christmas Day, New Years Day |
Road trip travel tips
- Check weather and traffic information along your route and plan accordingly.
- Share your travel plans with friends and loved ones in case you fail to arrive.
- Don’t blindly follow your GPS. If a road doesn’t look maintained, turn around.
- Refill your gas tank at the halfway mark to keep plenty of extra fuel on hand.
- Watch for ice on curves, hills, bridges, and shaded areas of the road.
- If you’re at the roadside and need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the tailpipe is clear of debris.
Your flight – delightful, not frightful
- Pack a change of clothes, medicines and important documents in your carry-on bag.
- If you check luggage and travel with someone else, pack some of each person’s clothes in both bags in case one goes missing.
- Download the airline app for the latest information on flight times and potential delays.
“A neck pillow can make a car trip or a flight more comfortable, but if you have the inflatable kind, wait to fill it with air until the plane is at cruising altitude,” Conde said. “Weather can always be a factor this time of year, and there will be plenty of other people traveling, so patience is key.”
Emergency kit reminders
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Flares or reflectors
- Basic tools
- Protein snacks and water
- Blankets
- A tarp in case you need a moisture barrier for changing a tire or looking under your car
If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it if it’s safe to do so. If you decide to seek help, leave a note on your dashboard with the date, time and direction you’re traveling.
Gasoline and crude oil dynamics
According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. refineries are producing at 91.8% of capacity, down slightly from last week. Meanwhile, Rockies refineries are producing at 86.8% of capacity, a nearly 5% drop from a week ago. The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $69 per barrel, which is $2 less than a week ago, the same as a month ago, and $5 less than a year ago. Stable crude oil prices contribute to calmer pump prices.