Motorists across Idaho are seeing relief at the pump as average fuel prices retreat from the five-dollar threshold. According to data from AAA, the state’s average price for regular gasoline has settled at $4.87 per gallon, marking a shift away from recent highs.
The decline represents a 7-cent drop compared to prices recorded just one week prior. Despite this weekly decrease, fuel costs remain elevated when viewed over longer periods. Idaho drivers are still paying 9 cents more per gallon than they did a month ago and $1.42 more than they paid at this time last year.
Regional Price Variations
Fuel costs vary significantly across the state, with rural counties often facing higher prices than urban centers. In Bonner County, the average price sits at $4.72 per gallon, while neighboring Boundary County averages just under $4.70.
Clark County currently holds the distinction of having the highest average gas price in Idaho at $5.32 per gallon. Other counties with elevated costs include Boise County at $5.30, Fremont County at $5.26, Valley County at $5.25, and Camas County at $5.19.
In major population centers, prices are generally lower. The city of Boise averages $4.93 per gallon, while Lewiston sees an average of $4.55. Other cities report the following averages: Idaho Falls at $4.88, Pocatello at $4.88, Rexburg at $4.97, Twin Falls at $4.94, and Franklin at $4.82.
National Context
Idaho ranks seventh in the nation for most expensive fuel. The national average for regular gasoline is currently $4.34 per gallon, which is 53 cents less than the Idaho average. Nationally, prices have dropped two cents over the past week but remain three cents higher than a month ago and $1.26 higher than a year ago.
California continues to lead the country with the highest gas prices at $6.28 per gallon. At the other end of the spectrum, Georgia offers the lowest prices in the U.S. at $3.79 per gallon.
Market Drivers
The fluctuation in retail fuel prices is closely tied to movements in crude oil markets. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is currently trading near $94 per barrel. This represents an increase from approximately $89 per barrel recorded about a week ago, suggesting that while retail prices have dipped slightly, underlying wholesale costs remain volatile.
AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde attributed the ongoing uncertainty to global geopolitical tensions. “A lasting resolution to the conflicts in Ukraine and across the Middle East has proven elusive,” Conde said.
These international conflicts continue to influence supply chains and market sentiment, keeping pressure on fuel costs despite the recent weekly decline in Idaho retail prices. Drivers should expect continued variability as crude oil markets react to global events.