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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

AAA: Idaho’s high gas prices ‘difficult to comprehend’

Idaho's average gas price is now $2.99 per gallon, up four cents in the past three weeks and 31 cents above the national average of $2.68, according to AAA of Idaho. But the AAA is forecasting a 10 percent increase in auto travel over the Labor Day holiday weekend in Idaho and the region, compared to last year, despite the pricier gas. "We do not expect Idaho's higher gas prices will have any sizable impact on travel intentions, though the final tally may have more to say on that topic," said Dave Carlson, director of public and government affairs for AAA Idaho.

The group's daily fuel gauge report showed that Idaho's average gas price ties for the fifth-most expensive gas in the country, behind only Alaska, $3.51 per gallon; Hawaii, $3.47; California, $3.08; and Washington, $3.06. Idaho tied with Oregon, but Oregon doesn't have self-serve gas, requiring motorists to let an attendant pump their gas for them.

AAA said Idaho's average price has been more than 20 cents higher than the national average gas price for the past five months. "Market factors can influence prices from region to region and even locally, but it's difficult to comprehend what's driving this year's high pump prices in Idaho," Carlson said. Click here to read AAA's full statement.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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