BOISE, Idaho — Gas prices across the state could fall to $2 per gallon or less as soon as Tuesday, according to a report from AAA Idaho.
Stay-at-home orders and restrictions on travel due to the spread of coronavirus are largely responsible for the low gas prices, which have plunged even more dramatically across the country. With many people working from home, even short daily trips to and from work have been reduced to nothing for plenty of Idahoans.
"Obviously, stay-home orders and other efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus are having a big impact on travel demand, and even the normal commute," says AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde. "In recent weeks, U.S. demand for gasoline has decreased by 44 percent to just five million barrels per day. Shockingly, the demand hasn't been that low since the spring of 1968."
As of Monday, April 13, the average price in Idaho was $2.02 - 53 cents lower than March 13, and 72 cents under the price one year ago.
The actual price at the pump can vary depending on the location in the state, however, AAA says. Towns like Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls have already fallen below the $2 mark, with average prices at $1.80 and $1.93 respectively. Meanwhile, consumers in Boise are paying $2.07 per gallon, and those in Twin Falls are paying $2.11.
Nationally, the average price per gallon is $1.86, nearly a dollar cheaper than prices a year ago, according to AAA. That number is expected to fall even further to $1.70 in the next several weeks, while Idaho prices could plunge to $1.85 if trends continue.
The state with the cheapest gas in the U.S. is Wisconsin, where a gallon costs an average of $1.30. Idaho currently ranks 13 in the nation for the most expensive fuel.
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Experts warn that gas prices could shoot back up quickly when the pandemic ends, as millions of Americans return to their daily commute or take trips they had postponed during the virus' peak.
In the meantime, AAA is reminding everyone who does need to fill up their tank to take extra precautions at the pump.
"If possible, select a pump toward the end of the row to prevent unnecessary interaction with other drivers. Use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the pump handle, the screen, and the touchpad," Conde said. "If you don't have gloves, you can use a plastic bag or even a sandwich bag to touch the pump, which can then be thrown away. After you're done, use wipes and hand sanitizer to clean your hands and your credit card."
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