Lower gas prices a welcome treat for Halloween

The following is a news release from AAA Idaho.

BOISE – Idaho drivers will have a little less to be frightened about when they stop to fill up before trick-or-treating this week.

According to AAA, the Gem State’s average price for regular is $3.89 per gallon, which is about a nickel less than a week ago, 25 cents less than a month ago, and 45 cents less than a year ago. Meanwhile, the national average currently sits at $3.49 per gallon, which is also about a nickel less than a week ago, 33 cents less than a month ago and 25 cents less than a year ago.

Idaho currently ranks 8th in the country for most expensive fuel behind California ($5.29), Hawaii ($4.75), Washington ($4.70), Nevada ($4.59), Oregon ($4.35), Alaska ($4.28), and Arizona ($4.02).

“In the run-up to Halloween, significant gas price savings were taking on the appearance of ‘Where’s Waldo?’, but with Idaho pump prices dropping by another nickel as they did last week, maybe our elusive friend has finally been found,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “In any case, it’s nice to start putting some distance between us and the $4 mark.”

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is now trading near $82 per barrel, about a $3 decrease from a week ago. But crude prices continue to fluctuate wildly from day to day as the market reacts to ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, preventing even lower pump prices.

According to the Energy Information Administration, fuel demand decreased slightly while inventories increased – a typical trend this time of year. If it continues, cheaper prices may follow.

“Utah and Montana, which supply most of our finished gasoline, saw average prices fall by nine and 15 cents this week,” Conde said. “Hopefully, this bodes well for bigger price drops in Idaho.”

Here’s a look at Idaho gas prices, as of Oct. 30:

Boise – $3.92
Coeur d’Alene – $3.97
Franklin – $3.88
Idaho Falls – $3.85
Lewiston – $3.90
Pocatello – $3.85
Rexburg – $3.92
Twin Falls – $3.86