BOISE, Idaho — Several government agencies are working to undo the damage caused by a weekend cyberattack that forced the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, a massive pipeline carrying nearly half the fuel used by the East Coast.
The attack is hitting consumers hardest, driving up gas prices across the country.
Because Idaho does not rely on that pipeline, the state likely won't feel the effects, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Gem State gas prices, however, continue to go up.
"Despite an uptick in COVID-19 infection rates in some parts of the world, the overall optimism associated with the rollout of the vaccine has had a profound effect on the market," AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde said in a statement. "Crude oil and gasoline demand are growing, and prices were already rising before this incident, so it's a terrible time to have issues with a major pipeline."
The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is currently $2.97, a seven-cent increase from last week and a ten-cent increase from last month. Idaho's average price, however, is currently $3.18, a four-cent increase from last week and a 12-cent increase from last month.
The price difference between Idaho and the national average is normal, according to AAA. Idahoans regularly pay as much as 30 cents more per gallon than those living in other parts of the country.
Here are the current gas prices in cities across Idaho as of Monday:
- Boise - $3.31
- Coeur d'Alene - $2.97
- Franklin - $3.27
- Idaho Falls - $3.00
- Lewiston - $3.04
- Pocatello - $3.11
- Twin Falls - $3.17
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