Gas prices inch up in region

SANDPOINT — The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is inching up in the state.

Idaho’s average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.67, which is 2 cents more than a week ago and the same price as a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, the U.S. average currently sits at $3.47, which is 6 cents more than a week ago and 5 cents more than a month ago.

Monday, the Gem State ranked 10th in the country for most expensive fuel, with California ($4.92), Hawaii ($4.84), Nevada ($4.33) and Washington ($4.25) the highest.

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded ranged from a low of $3.29 in Oldtown to $3.45 in Sandpoint. In Boundary County, the cost for a gallon of regular unleaded ranges from $3.39 to $3.49.

In Coeur d'Alene, prices for a gallon of regular unleaded ranged from a low of about $3.20 to a high of $3.59.

The cheapest fuel can be found in Mississippi ($3.02), with no states currently below the $3 mark.

“With the anticipated surge of spring break travel and the return of expensive summer-blend gasoline, we could be just weeks away from $4 gas in some parts of our state,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde. “But if there is a silver lining, it would be that today’s pump prices are still about 70 cents cheaper than a year ago, which at least provides a little breathing room for those who are planning a spring break road trip.”

According to the most recent report by the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand slipped from 9.1 million to 8.6 million barrels per day, but total domestic supplies also declined by more than a million barrels during the same time period.

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $75 per barrel, which is $5 less than a month ago and $28 less than a year ago.

Idaho gas prices include Boise, $3.82; Lewiston, $3.44; Pocatello, $3.66; and Twin Falls, $3.76.