In a rare turn of events, Idaho drivers are paying less for a gallon of regular gasoline than the national average. But the American Automobile Association says higher prices may be on the horizon.
The average price for a gallon of regular in Idaho is $3.05, about three cents less than a week ago, five cents more than a month ago, and about the same price as a year ago. The U.S. average currently sits at $3.07, which is about half a penny more than a week ago, five cents more than a month ago, and about the same price as a year ago.
Idaho currently ranks 16th in the U.S. for most expensive fuel. Today’s most expensive gas is in Hawaii at $4.55 per gallon, and the cheapest fuel can be found in Oklahoma at $2.59 per gallon.
According to AAA, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $78 per barrel, which is $4 more than a week ago, $8 more than a month ago, and $6 more than a year ago. Crude oil makes up more than half of the price of finished gasoline, so if the cost of crude remains high, gas prices will follow, even though fuel demand has cooled with the weather.
Motorists in Twin Falls are paying the highest price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Idaho at $3.09, while Coeur d’Alene continues to have Idaho’s lowest average price at $2.83. Lewiston’s average price for a gallon of gasoline is currently $3.04.
