BOISE, Idaho — Gem State residents are splashing into summer with big travel plans for Memorial Day weekend, with an estimated 262,000 Idahoans among the anticipated 43.8 million Americans hitting the roads for the holiday, according to AAA Idaho.
Gas prices in Idaho are averaging $3.80 per gallon for unleaded gasoline as of Thursday, May 23, which is quite comparable to prices one year ago at $3.76.
"Idaho gas prices have been falling, slowly but surely, since the third week of April," said Matthew Conde, the AAA Idaho public affairs director. "The national average has reversed course and is up a couple of pennies in the past few days, and the Gem State may follow suit as demand rises."
AAA calculated that Idaho is ranked ninth in the country for most expensive fuel.
States with the most expensive gasoline are:
- California ($5.17)
- Hawaii ($4.80)
- Washington ($4.59)
- Oregon ($4.36)
- Nevada ($4.36)
- Alaska ($4.32)
- Illinois ($3.94)
- Arizona ($3.89)
- Idaho ($3.80)
A study conducted by AAA found that of the total 43.8 million Americans traveling, 38.4 million will drive, which will set a new record for those traveling by vehicle. However, this year's overall total still remains below the all-time Memorial Day travel record of 44 million Americans set in 2005.
"The airports will be very busy at times. Arrive early so that you have plenty of time to park and get through security," Conde said.
AAA advised that drivers travel before noon on Thursday and Friday, as more congestion is expected in the afternoon, as well as in the evenings. AAA warns that perhaps the most congested day and time for roadway travel will be Monday evening, as people return home.
"Gasoline demand will likely climb for at least the first half of the summer, which could result in more expensive fill-ups. We have a high probability of getting over the $4 mark at some point," Conde added. "It will be interesting to see how things go over the week."
Memorial Day gas prices over past five years:
- 2023 - $3.83 (Idaho) - $3.58 (U.S. avg.)
- 2022 - $4.72 (Idaho) - $4.62 (U.S.)
- 2021 - $3.25 (Idaho) - $3.05 (U.S.)
- 2020 - $2.14 (Idaho) - $1.96 (U.S.)
- 2019 - $3.20 (Idaho) - $2.83 (U.S.)
AAA said key contributing factors to the decline are modest fuel use and stable crude oil prices.
A report by the Energy Information Administration showed that gasoline use per day was averaging at 8.9 million barrels. According to the West Texas Intermediate, crude oil is trading for $4 less than one year ago, at $78 per barrel.
Idaho gas prices as of May 22:
- Boise - $3.83
- Coeur d'Alene - $3.77
- Franklin - $3.64
- Idaho Falls - $3.68
- Lewiston - $3.69
- Pocatello - $3.79
- Rexburg - $3.81
- Twin Falls - $3.82
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