Fuel prices continue to drop despite Middle East tensions, election stress

Forty-six states saw gas prices drop this past week, Idaho included. That comes on the heels of continued conflicts in the Middle East.

With the upcoming election, experts are unsure if prices will continue the downward trend after Nov. 5 or if consumers will incur an increase at the pump.

“Crude oil spiked briefly amid recent conflicts in the Middle East, but Israel’s measure response may alleviate some concerns,” said Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho. “We hope for another quiet week, but uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election may affect pump prices to kick off November.”

The Western States are leading the nation on the most expensive gas prices at the moment, with Idaho coming in eighth at an average cost of $3.37 per gallon.

California was most expensive in the U.S. at $4.60 for a gallon of gas; then Hawaii at $4.58; Washington at $4.05; Nevada at $3.81; Oregon at $3.64; Alaska at $3.60; and Utah at $3.38. The national average according to AAA is $3.13.

Throughout Idaho, the price per gallon varied, but not by much. Rexburg had the highest price at $3.48, while Idaho Falls came in at $3.18. However, the cheapest gas on Oct. 29 could be found at Sam’s Club, Walmart and Costco, all coming in at under $3 per gallon, according to information on gasbuddy.com.

Sam’s Club in Idaho Falls had a price of $2.90 per gallon on Oct. 29 and A&D Mini Mart in Coeur d’Alene had a price of $2.95. Costco and Walmart locations throughout the state ran from $2.95 per gallon to $2.98 per gallon.

Idaho’s gas is 4 cents less than a week ago, 14 cents less than a month ago and 43 cents less than this time last year, AAA Idaho stated.