Idaho gas prices remain low

Holiday lights and Christmas trees are being taken down, and Idaho gas prices are starting to drop as well. 

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.08 on Monday. Idaho’s average fell half a penny overnight, and while it’s currently 3 cents more than a week ago and a month ago, today’s price is still 11 cents cheaper than a year ago. 

Meanwhile, the national average is hovering near $3.03 per gallon, about a penny and a half more than a week ago, but 3 cents less than a month ago and 9 cents cheaper than a year ago. After recently falling as low as 20th in the country for most expensive fuel, Idaho now ranks 12th. 

“Thirty-two states are below the $3 mark for gasoline, and a handful of other states, including Idaho, are just pennies away. Prices seem to be calming down after a holiday surge in demand last week,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Like a New Year’s Eve limbo contest, Idaho drivers are looking at pump prices and wondering, 'How low will they go?'” 

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is between $71 and $72 per barrel, about $2 more than a week ago and $4 more than a month ago, but about the same price as a year ago. 

According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. refineries are running at 92.5% of capacity, or 0.7% more than the previous week. However, refineries in the region are currently operating at just 85.4% of capacity, 1.4% less than a week ago. 

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.14; Franklin, $3.08; Idaho Falls, $3.01; Lewiston, $3.06; Pocatello, $3.08; Rexburg, $3.06 and Twin Falls, $3.09.