AAA: Summer gas savings may soon come to an end

Gas prices across the country and throughout Idaho have been dropping recently, but AAA says market conditions are expected to push prices higher in the coming weeks.

The Gem State’s pump prices have followed the national trend and have been steadily declining since the July 4 holiday, and AAA said this an unusual occurrence marked by strong seasonal demand but even more abundant supplies of gas and crude oil.

The US average dropped by eleven cents over a six-week span, and Idaho gas prices have dropped about four cents since the first of the month.

AAA said summer travel demand is expected to remain strong until Labor Day weekend.

“We may even see a new record high between now and early September,” Conde said. “Unemployment rates are low, and current gas prices are considered affordable when compared to recent years. Although pump prices may be on the move in the coming weeks, now is a great time to hit the road.”

The current U.S. average price is $2.27, one cent less than a month ago and twelve cents more than a year ago.

In the Gem State, a gallon of gasoline currently costs $2.52, nine cents less than a month ago, and five cents more than a year ago.

Here’s a look at some of today’s gas prices across Idaho: Ammon, $2.33; Blackfoot, $2.46; Boise, $2.54; Bonners Ferry, $2.54; Cascade, $2.70; Coeur d’Alene, $2.40; Driggs, $2.50; Fort Hall, $2.52; Gooding, $2.59; Heyburn, $2.45; Horseshoe Bend, $2.66; Jerome, $2.64; Kooskia, $2.48; Lewiston, $2.58; McCall, $2.75; Moscow, $2.68; Orofino, $2.52; Parma, $2.58; Pocatello, $2.50; Post Falls, $2.52; Rupert, $2.49; Twin Falls, $2.53.

According to AAA, although gas prices are expected to increase, unexpected conditions, such as a hurricane or unplanned refinery maintenance, could further impact the pump price.