Gas prices inch upward

SANDPOINT – Gas in the Gem State may top the $4 mark as early as this week, according to the AAA.

Idaho’s average price for a gallon of regular is $3.75, which is 4 cents more than a week ago and 20 cents more than a month ago, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, the national average sits at $3.54 per gallon, which is 7 cents less than a week ago and six cents less than a month ago.

In the greater Sandpoint area, the price for a gallon of regular range from $3.83 to $3.97 while in Bonners Ferry, the cost averages $3.69. In Coeur d'Alene gas prices range from around $3.40 to $3.60 for a gallon of regular.

The Gem State ranks 10th in the U.S. for most expensive fuel. The leaders are California ($4.82), Hawaii ($4.77), Arizona ($4.69) and Washington ($4.59).

“For two weeks, the state average has followed a pattern – a four or five-cent jump early in the week and then a lull that lasts for several days,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Fuel demand and crude oil prices are extremely fickle right now, so there could be a bit of a teeter-totter effect at the pump in the short term. But higher prices are on the horizon.”

Today, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $73 per barrel, which is about $3 less than a week ago and $7 less than a month ago.

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices as of Monday: Boise, $3.90; Franklin, $3.95; Idaho Falls, $3.54 and Lewiston, $3.60.