Gas prices still among highest

Idaho’s gas prices remain the sixth highest in the nation, with costs at about $1.98 a gallon, 37 cents higher than they were a year ago.

And even though the price of a gallon is down nine cents since Thanksgiving, some jobbers – wholesalers who buy gasoline from refiners and sell it along to service stations – predict that the dip is only temporary.

Cold weather, a rarity so far in Idaho and Oregon this year, could still add to fuel demand as the season heads into January, the American Automobile Association said. And spring is coming, when demand typically rises and some regions in the United States will begin to require different blends.

“We’re taking (the recent decline) as a Christmas present from the oil companies,” said Gail Carter at Ray’s Chevron in Coeur d’Alene, which has dropped rates recently. “But it’s temporary.”

Still, lower prices over the holiday compared to a month ago meant that Idaho travelers probably will join their American compatriots on the roads in record numbers, according to the AAA.

Crude oil prices dropped to about $46 per barrel last week from the October peak of $55, contributing to lower gas costs and helping boost interest in travel.

The AAA estimated 62.7 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more from home, a 3 percent increase from last year’s 60.8 million travelers, and on pace to exceed numbers from any prior year.

But it wasn’t just lower gas prices that contributed to more Americans – and more Idahoans – taking to the roads, the AAA said. People are growing more confident in the economy, and fears of renewed Sept. 11-style attacks are waning, the AAA said. In addition, both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Saturday.

“The strong increase in travel is also tied to stronger consumer spending and improved traveler confidence in travel security,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson, adding that air travel was expected to be at its highest level since 2001.

The U.S. average price for a gallon of gas has dropped 14 cents since Thanksgiving to about $1.80, still about 33 cents higher than a year ago, the AAA said.

In Oregon, with the nation’s 15th-highest gas prices, drivers paid about $1.88.

Even in relatively high-priced Idaho, choosy drivers in areas such as Coeur d’Alene found prices as low as $1.75 this week.

The “bargains” left some drivers ecstatic.

“I’m totally delighted,” said Susan Draper, a regular customer at the Boulevard Food Mart Shell station, where prices dropped seven cents to $1.79 for regular last week.

“They’re amazed,” said Justin VanCleave, a clerk at the Tesoro station on the east end of Sherman Avenue, where prices dropped just before the holiday.