BOISE, Idaho — Gas prices in Idaho held steady this week even as prices per gallon topped $4 in neighboring states.
According to AAA, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is causing crude oil prices - as a result, the price at the pump - to soar.
AAA reports the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading at almost $96 per barrel: $5 more than a week ago, $10 more than a month ago, and $32 more than a year ago
In Idaho however, the average price is $3.54 per gallon: two cents more than a week ago and the same price as a month ago. Nationally, the average hit $3.61, which is 25 cents more than the price at the end of January. Both Washington and Oregon currently are seeing averages of $4 a gallon, according to AAA.
"Right now, low fuel demand is acting like a relief valve to help keep prices stable in our state," says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. "But demand is slowly rising across the country, and the combination of expensive crude and more frequent fill-ups could spell trouble for some people's spring break plans."
Idaho currently ranks 23rd in the country for gas prices, a three-spot decline from last week.
"Market volatility is never a good thing for crude oil or gas prices," Conde said. "If the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, geopolitical tensions will only increase that volatility."
Below is a list of average gas prices for cities around the Gem State:
Boise - $3.61
Coeur d'Alene - $3.36
Franklin - $3.37
Idaho Falls - $3.41
Lewiston - $3.40
Pocatello - $3.49
Twin Falls - $3.62
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