Idaho gas prices rise with demand
Record demand for gasoline could push higher prices this summer, according to the Idaho AAA. The organization said American drivers used a record 413 million gallons of fuel per day during the week that ended May 26. The first three weeks of June usually foretell the level of demand for the summer. “Nationwide, we’re currently experiencing the typical lull after Memorial Day,” said AAA Idaho Public Affairs Manager Matthew Conde, “but such an unprecedented spike in holiday demand will have AAA and other organizations monitoring pump prices very closely in the coming days.” As of Tuesday, the average U.S. price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $2.36, one cent more than a month ago. According to Conde, Idaho prices were 25 cents per gallon apart with regional demand pushing pump prices higher. Conde said he expects high numbers of Idahoans to travel this summer, which may apply additional upward pressure on gas prices. He does not expect higher prices to suppress travel. “Across the country, refineries are producing and storing large quantities of gasoline to keep inventories high,” Conde said. “Time will tell if demand will keep chipping away at the national supply, as it has regionally here in Idaho.” Across the country, gas prices vary dramatically by region. While many drivers in the Midwest, Gulf Coast and East Coast currently enjoy prices below $2.36 per gallon, the West Coast and Rocky Mountain regions have the highest gas prices in the country, with Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Alaska and Hawaii all above $2.51 per gallon. The Gem State now ranks seventh in the country. AAA reported current gas prices across the state Tuesday: Ammon, $2.55; Blackfoot, $2.56; Boise, $2.66; Bonners Ferry, $2.63; Burley, $2.56; Cascade, $2.79; Coeur d’Alene, $2.47; Driggs, $2.68; Emmett, $2.67; Fruitland, $2.66; Gooding, $2.57; Horseshoe Bend, $2.70; Idaho Falls, $2.55; Kooskia, $2.55; Lewiston, $2.64; Mountain Home, $2.59; Orofino, $2.60; Post Falls, $2.54; Rexburg, $2.49; Stanley, $3.18; Twin Falls, $2.58; Weiser, $2.66.
