BOISE, ID – Idaho drivers are paying more at the pump this week as regional supply chain issues ripple across the Northwest. According to AAA, the state’s average price for regular gasoline is $3.51 per gallon, up five cents from a week ago. Prices remain a penny lower than a month ago and seven cents cheaper than this time last year.
Nationally, gas prices have moved slightly downward, with the U.S. average sitting at $3.18 per gallon — two cents lower than last week and three cents below year-ago levels.
AAA Idaho Public Affairs Director Matthew Conde said the unplanned shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies most of Oregon’s fuel from Washington refineries, created a ripple effect that reached Idaho. “Washington and Oregon’s state averages jumped 20 cents in a week,” Conde explained. “Idaho suffered the unfortunate consequences of being a neighbor to all of the chaos, but the pipeline is now operational, and price relief could come soon”.
Washington currently holds the highest average gas price in the nation at $4.66 per gallon, with Oregon ranking fourth. Idaho stands at eighth.
Looking ahead, drivers may see some relief as stations transition to winter-blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce than summer-blend. “Hopefully, cheaper supply and lower demand will drive down pump prices and help people save up for the holiday season,” Conde said.
The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $63 per barrel, about $1.50 higher than last week. Analysts note that if crude prices stay below $70 — or fall under $60 — gasoline prices could follow.
AAA cautioned that the market remains sensitive to potential disruptions, such as hurricanes or geopolitical tensions. So far, this year’s hurricane season has been relatively calm, but September marks the peak risk for major storms.
Here’s a look at regional prices across Idaho as of September 15:
- Boise – $3.54
- Coeur d’Alene – $3.56 (up 15 cents from last week)
- Franklin – $3.28
- Idaho Falls – $3.34
- Lewiston – $3.54 (up 13 cents from last week)
- Pocatello – $3.38
- Rexburg – $3.38
- Twin Falls – $3.44
More information, including current gas price trends, is available at AAA’s Fuel Price Finder.
