Idaho gas prices rise

Idaho’s average retail gasoline prices rose 2.4 cents in the past week to an average $2.51 per gallon. Nationally, prices rose 2.5 cents per gallon, according to the gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

As of March 18, Idaho gas prices were 3.8 cents per gallon higher than the same day a year ago. The national average price was 25.3 cents per gallon higher than one year ago.

“Gas prices remained mostly in check over the last week, yet the national average pushed higher as seasonal factors continue to weigh on the market, led by jumps at the pump in some Great Lakes states over the weekend,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “The national average now stands at its highest level in over a month and is likely to continue moving higher in the weeks ahead as demand continues to recover from the winter blues and the transition to summer gasoline kicks into high gear. Overall, gas prices this spring will come in some 10-25% higher than a year ago, removing billions of dollars from other areas of the economy that will instead be funneled to the pump.”