Gas prices rise in Idaho amid renewed Middle East conflict

Drivers had a brief reprieve at the pump during the past few weeks as the price for a gallon of gas dipped beneath the $4 mark thanks to a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

That ceasefire was short-lived, and the crude oil market has reacted accordingly, even in Idaho.

This week, the cost for a gallon of gas increased by 23 cents in the Gem State, according to AAA, putting the average price of regular unleaded at $4.15, the organization stated in a release. That cost is still 3 cents less than a month ago but 32 cents more than a year ago.

Originally, AAA reported a 13-cent increase at the beginning the week. From Monday to Tuesday, the price jumped again another 10 cents overnight, the organization reported.

The national average cost is 86 cents more than a year ago and is hovering right around $4 on average. AAA stated that Idaho is currently ranked 17th in the U.S. for more expensive fuel.

“Crude oil prices are getting rough again. As conditions deteriorate in the Strait of Hormuz and as military action resumes, the market grows more skeptical about the fate of future crude supplies,” said Matthew Conde, AAA Idaho public affairs director. “As crude goes, so goes gasoline.”

As of this writing on July 21, the West Texas Intermediate cost for a barrel of crude oil had risen 2.55% to $84.64. At its peak on April 6, 2026, the WTI recorded costs at about $112 per barrel.

Throughout Idaho on Tuesday, there are still stations still under $4 per gallon, according to consumer reports posted on GasBuddy.com. A Phillps 66 station in Idaho Falls was selling regular unleaded at $3.74 a gallon. At Walmart in the same city, the cost was $3.77, which was the same in Ammon at a Sinclair station.

In the Treasure Valley, some stations still had prices in the upper $3 range, with Costco in Nampa listed at $3.79. Costco and Walmart in Meridian were both reported at $3.85 per gallon. People looking to fill up at Costco or Walmart must have memberships.

Conde urged drivers to make the most of their driving to save on fuel costs.

“Keep bundling your trips and looking for ways to avoid peak traffic congestion,” he said. “We’re heading for choppy waters until we see a lasting resolution in the Middle East.”