Kootenai County gas prices dip under $3 at some stations

The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $3.41, which is 3 cents less than a week ago, 14 cents less than a month ago and 54 cents less than a year ago, AAA said Monday.

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.18 per gallon, with about half of the country’s pumps selling regular gas below the $3 mark. That's 2 cents cheaper than a week ago, 4 cents cheaper than a month ago and 37 cents cheaper than a year ago.

Idaho ranks eighth in the country for most expensive fuel behind California ($4.64), Hawaii ($4.58), Washington ($4.07), Nevada ($3.87), Oregon ($3.66), Alaska ($3.62) and Utah ($3.44). Forty-four of the 50 states saw pump prices fall this week.

Gas in Kootenai County was going for near or even under $3 a gallon at some stations, while others were in the $3.20 range.

“Crude oil is calming down, even with lingering tensions in the Middle East. And as parts of the U.S. recover from recent hurricanes, fuel demand may subside for the next month or so,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. 

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $71 per barrel, which is $3 less than a week ago, $1 less than a month ago and about $18 less than a year ago.

Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.45; Franklin, $3.47; Idaho Falls, $3.22; and Lewiston, $3.38.