As more than 42 million Americans – including 241,000 Idahoans – head out for Memorial Day weekend, filling up the gas tank won’t be nearly as painful as last year.
According to AAA, Idaho’s average price for a gallon of regular is $3.76 – two cents more than a week ago and 12 cents more than a month ago, but 87 cents less than a year ago. Drivers in other parts of the country are faring even better, with the national average currently at $3.54 per gallon, which is the same as a week ago, 13 cents less than a month ago and $1.05 less than a year ago.
Of those who are travelling this weekend, 37 million will go by car, an increase of two million from a year ago. Drivers should expect heavy traffic on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
Here’s a seven-year retrospective of U.S. and Idaho pump prices on Memorial Day:
|
YEAR |
U.S. |
IDAHO |
|
2022 |
$4.62 |
$4.72 |
|
2021 |
$3.04 |
$3.24 |
|
2020 |
$1.96 |
$2.14 |
|
2019 |
$2.83 |
$3.20 |
|
2018 |
$2.97 |
$3.18 |
|
2017 |
$2.37 |
$2.58 |
|
2016 |
$2.32 |
$2.46 |
“Last year, the cost of crude oil skyrocketed as the market reeled from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and gasoline prices followed. But it will be easier for families to make a trip this year,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “The Idaho average has been floating between $3.74 and $3.76 since the beginning of May but could rise as people start hitting the road in droves.”
Today, the West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude oil is trading near $72 per barrel, which is $1 more than a week ago, but $6 less than a month ago and $38 less than a year ago.
AAA recommends stopping at a trusted repair shop to make sure fluid levels, hoses, and tire pressure are good to go before leaving town.
Here’s a look at gas prices from around the Gem State:
Boise – $3.88
Coeur d’Alene – $3.68
Franklin – $4.15
Idaho Falls – $3.51
Lewiston – $3.63
Pocatello – $3.59
Rexburg – $3.65
Twin Falls – $3.72
