Idaho's gas prices creep lower

SANDPOINT — According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.55 on Monday, which was 3 cents less than a week ago, 23 cents less than a month ago, and 43 cents less than a year ago. 

Meanwhile, the national average held steady at $3.45 per gallon this week, which was 16 cents less than a month ago and 13 cents less than a year ago.

Idaho remains in 12th place in the nation for most expensive fuel, another week out of the top 10.

In Bonner County, the average cost of a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.67 per gallon. In Boundary County, the average cost of a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.50. Kootenai County prices range from the $3.20s to $3.50s for a gallon of gas.

“Last week, the state average dropped by 6 cents, and this week by 3 cents. We may see pump prices bottom out soon for the duration of the summer,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “With the Fourth of July just around the corner and a record number of travelers expected to hit the roads and head for the airports, this season of unusual savings may soon come to an end.”

In recent weeks, strong refinery production has helped offset rising demand, which jumped to 9.4 million barrels per day, an increase of 400,000 barrels per day from the previous week. However, storm-related issues at a refinery in Corpus Christi and a heat-related problem at a refinery in Wood River, Ill., may represent the first disruptions in the recent trend, AAA said in a press release.

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is currently trading near $82 per barrel, which is $5 more than a month ago and $12 more than a year ago. At the moment, the recent uptick is an anomaly — crude oil has been below the $80 mark for all but a few days since the beginning of May.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.58; Franklin, $3.55; Idaho Falls, $3.33; Lewiston, $3.62; and Twin Falls, $3.56.