Idahoans paying less for gas

The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State dipped slightly to $3.16 per gallon, which is 3 cents less than a week ago, according to AAA.

The national average is hovering around $3.10 per gallon, which is nearly 5 cents cheaper than a week ago, about the same price as a month ago, and 25 cents less than a year ago.

“The cost of crude oil was in the low $70 range for all of February. That kind of stability, coupled with quiet fuel demand, was enough to help pump prices inch lower,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.

Today, Idaho ranks 11th in the country for the most expensive fuel, where it has been the past few weeks. The most expensive state average is in California at $4.79 per gallon, and the cheapest state average is Mississippi at $2.66 per gallon.

Drivers in the Gem State are paying less than regional neighbors Washington ($4.14), Nevada ($3.82), and Oregon ($3.74), but more than Montana ($3.11), Utah ($3.02), Colorado ($3.01) and Wyoming ($2.99).

In Bonner County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.30; in Boundary County, the price is $3.29 per gallon. In Kootenai County, gas prices range from the $2.80s to about $3 a gallon and in Shoshone County, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.49.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as Monday: Boise, $3.11; Franklin, $3; Idaho Falls, $3.08; Lewiston, $3.23 and Twin Falls, $3.20.