Gas prices again drop in region

SANDPOINT —  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the Gem State was $3.55 on Monday, which is 9 cents less than a week ago, 29 cents less than a month ago, and 40 cents less than a year ago. 

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.24 per gallon, which is just a penny less than a week ago, 19 cents less than a month ago, and 18 cents less than a year ago.

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.63 and, in Boundary County, $3.58. In Kootenai County, prices ranged from the low $3.50s to about $3.70.

Idaho currently ranks eighth in the country for most expensive fuel behind California ($4.80), Hawaii ($4.70), Washington ($4.33), Nevada ($4.11), Oregon ($3.99), Alaska ($3.89), and Pennsylvania ($3.56). Montana and Utah, which supply most of Idaho’s finished gasoline, currently rank 23rd and 30th at $3.16 and $3.07 per gallon respectively.

“Utah and Montana usually rank in the top 10 to 15 for highest gas prices along with Idaho, so it bodes well for us that they’re much cheaper right now,” said Matthew Conde, AAA Idaho public affairs director. “Hopefully, our state will keep moving in that direction, bringing pump prices to their lowest level for the year in coming weeks.”

So far, Idaho’s cheapest average for regular gas this year was $3.37 per gallon Jan. 16.

According to the most recent report by the Energy Information Administration, gas demand decreased by nearly 300,000 barrels per day last week, and total domestic supplies increased by nearly two million barrels.
Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.54; Franklin, $3.11; Idaho Falls, $3.50; Lewiston, $3.80 and Pocatello, $3.32.