Idaho gas prices continue to fall

COEUR d’ALENE — The average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State was $3.64 on Monday, which is six cents less than a week ago, 27 cents less than a month ago and 47 cents less than a year ago. 

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.25 per gallon, which is six cents less than a week ago, 27 cents less than a month ago and 31 cents less than a year ago.

Idaho currently ranks seventh in the U.S. for most expensive fill-ups behind California ($4.90), Hawaii ($4.72), Washington ($4.39), Nevada ($4.18), Oregon ($4.05) and Alaska ($3.96).

Kootenai County prices were in the low $3.50s, though some stations were still in the $3.70s on Monday.

Idaho prices have been falling since Sept. 7, when drivers paid the most for the year at $4.16 per gallon. At first, cheaper fuel prices were barely noticeable, but started picking up speed in mid-October. Panhandle prices are holding the state average a bit higher than it might otherwise be.

“Last week, most of us had the opportunity to sample a beloved Thanksgiving recipe. In this case, steady gasoline production, falling fuel demand and lower crude oil costs are the main ingredients in the savings we’re currently seeing at the pump,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “A combination of cheaper crude and slumping demand could push oil and gas prices down even further in the run-up to the end-of-year holiday season.”

According to the most recent report by the Energy Information Administration, U.S. gasoline demand has dropped by nearly 1 million barrels per day in recent weeks.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.62; Franklin, $3.45; Idaho Falls, $3.57; and Lewiston, $3.85.