Area gas prices inch upward

SANDPOINT — Gas prices in the region — and the state — are inching upward.

Idaho’s average price for a gallon of regular was $3.11 on Monday, which was 11 cents higher than a week ago and 19 cents more than a month ago, but still 52 cents cheaper than a year ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.26 per gallon, which is 2 cents less than a week ago, 16 cents more than a month ago, and 11 cents cheaper than a year ago. 

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.22 while in Boundary County, the average price is $3.13. Prices in the Coeur d'Alene area are averaging $3.21; in some areas, the prices climbed a dime in one day.

For the week, Idaho moved up one spot to 29th place for most expensive fuel in the country.

“A week ago, the gap between the Idaho and national averages was 28 cents, but today, it has narrowed to 15 cents,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde. “As the Gem State continues to thaw, the distance between the two averages could shrink even further this week.”

According to the Energy Information Administration, gasoline stocks across the country are higher than a year ago, including an additional 1.7 million barrels in the Rockies region. Higher inventories and strong regional refinery production have helped pump prices stay lower than a year ago. But supplies could decrease during spring refinery maintenance and the switch to summer-blend fuel.

In addition to Idaho’s 11-cent jump this week, neighboring states also saw price hikes: Washington (11 cents higher), Oregon (17 cents higher), Nevada (2 cents higher), Utah (9 cents higher), Wyoming (7 cents higher), and Montana (6 cents higher).

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $78 per barrel, the same as a week ago and a month ago. If crude prices hold steady this week, pump prices may calm down.

Elsewhere in Idaho gas prices Monday: Boise, $3.10; Franklin, $3.07; Idaho Falls, $2.95; Lewiston, $3.10; Pocatello, $3.08; Rexburg, $3.01 and Twin Falls, $3.02.