BOISE, Idaho — A GasBuddy report released Monday said that the average price of gas in Boise has "fallen 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.78 per gallon." So, essentially unchanged from last week.
Although a reduction (be it mild) in cost is welcomed by gas-guzzlers, the optimism is perhaps a bit ambiguous - as the average price per gallon is still 36.3 cents higher than a month ago and 24.5 cents higher than one year ago.
The consistent cost is not exclusive to the state's capital city.
The average price per gallon for all of Idaho has remained the same for a second consecutive week - technically down 0.4 cents per gallon from last week, but still coming in at $3.65 per gallon.
Neighboring areas are lacking such an observable trend, with Utah prices decreasing, while Oregon's average increased.
Yes, Utah prices are technically "down" but still very much so "up." The average cost of gas per gallon in Ogden is $3.71, a 5.3 cent decrease from last week.
Idaho's other neighbor, Oregon, saw the average price per gallon go up 6.7 cents, bringing their new average to $3.73.
On a similar course as Idaho, the national average stayed consistent over the past week, with a tab of $3.37 per gallon. However, dissimilar to Idaho, the national average is cheaper than it was one year ago, 14.5 cents cheaper.
"Motorists across many areas of the country have seen gas prices inching down for another week, while some states have moved higher. We've seen some refinery challenges in pockets of the country, while others are starting the transition to summer gasoline, weighing on prices," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
"Oil prices have softened over the last week, helping to limit any upside at the pump, with strong economic data leading to concern that the Fed will continue to use interest rates to slow the economy. This could weaken demand as we head into the peak summer driving season," said De Haan.
According to GasBuddy's survey of 216 gas stations in Boise, there's a 40 cent difference between the cheapest and most expensive gas in the city. The cheapest gas station stands at $3.49 per gallon, while the most expensive gas station was $3.89 per gallon.
Despite the geographical fluctuations, refineries, and ultimately production, still have a way to go before motorists truly begin to see a negative trend in gas cost and a positive impact on their pocketbooks.
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