BOISE, Idaho — Rising gas prices across the nation have caught up to Idaho.
AAA says surging gas prices hit drivers in the Gem State hard this week.
The average price of a gallon of regular gas is up 10 cents, and drivers in some areas are paying 12 to 18 cents more than a week ago.
"Last week, Idahoans were able to avoid the double-digit increase that drivers faced in two-thirds of the states, but no longer," said Matthew Conde, spokesman for AAA Idaho. "Whether you live in the Treasure Valley, the Coeur d'Alene area, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello or Franklin, you're definitely feeling the sting if you fill up today."
For the first time in nearly a year, Idaho pump prices are now more expensive than they were a year ago. Today, regular gas costs an average of $2.60 per gallon in the Gem State, which is 15 cents more than a month ago and seven cents more than a year ago.
The U.S. average is $2.72, which is 30 cents more than a month ago and 28 cents more than a year ago. Idaho prices are still 12 cents cheaper than the national average.
AAA says that rising crude oil prices and abnormally low refinery production have pushed prices higher across the country.
"AAA forecasts that the national average will hit $2.80 per gallon some time in March. Idaho prices are sometimes 20 to 30 cents higher than the national average, so we could hit the $3 mark at some point, but time will tell," Conde said. "With this kind of incredible volatility, there's a chance that March could bring some of the highest pump prices of 2021."
Here's some Idaho gas prices as of March 1:
- Boise - $2.68
- Coeur d'Alene - $2.54
- Franklin - $2.49
- Idaho Falls - $2.46
- Lewiston - $2.61
- Pocatello - $2.52
- Twin Falls - $2.46