As national gas prices rise, Idaho’s remain even higher

Idahoans are facing high prices at the pump as gas costs rose about 6 cents this week, according to a press release from AAA. 

A gallon of regular gasoline is averaging $4.05 across the state. That represents a nearly 50 cent increase compared to this time last year. Still, consumers could be feeling short-term relief as gas prices were 19 cents higher last month.

Idaho’s prices still outpace national rates, which averaged $4 per gallon this week — a 13 cent hike from last week’s numbers. Despite a 5 cent dip from prices last month, the number is a leap for drivers who were paying $3.14 per gallon at this time last year.

Idaho’s $4.05 per gallon lands in the top half of the nation’s most expensive gas prices, coming in just ahead of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, at 17th in the country, according to AAA calculations.

Idaho’s neighbors are also feeling the squeeze, although their prices vary dramatically from $5.01 in Washington — one of the highest averages in the country — to $4 in Utah. 

AAA Idaho public affair director Matthew Conde pointed to supply chain disruptions caused by  global conflict as a source of high costs. On Monday, the U.S. expanded airstrikes on Iran after announcing the death of another American service member. 

“Crude oil prices are getting rough again. As conditions deteriorate in the Strait of Hormuz and as military action resumes, the market grows more skeptical about the fate of future crude supplies,” Conde said. “As crude goes, so goes gasoline.”

Prices for a barrel of crude oil have risen $12 since the beginning of July, now trading at roughly $82 per barrel.

Gas prices do not average evenly across the state. In Coeur d’Alene, drivers can expect to pay $3.89, while those in Pocatello face prices nearly 17 cents higher at $4.06.

“Keep bundling your trips and looking for ways to avoid peak traffic congestion,” Conde said. “We’re heading for choppy waters until we see a lasting resolution in the Middle East.”