Idaho gas prices climb to within 8 cents of U.S. average

Unrest in Middle East and North Africa continues to put pressure on oil prices

BOISE - Idaho pump prices have risen another 6 cents in the past week, reflecting the mixed bag of signals that continue to put pressure on oil prices, AAA Idaho said-today.

Based on its Daily Fuel Gauge Report (www.fueigaugereport.aaa.com). AAA said Idaho's average price for regular grade gasoline today is $3.48, up six cents in the past week. The U.S. average price is $3.56, up two cents during the same time period.

Oil prices rose to $106.69 in midday trading on Wednesday, before closing at $105.75, the highest price since September 2008. A month ago, oil was trading in the $98 range, according to the travel organization.

"Investors have been reacting to volatility including war, natural disasters, Japan's nuclear problems, and the European debt crisis," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. "Gas prices fell a penny or so during that period, but are up slightly at the moment."

Carlson said the range of prices at six Idaho cities has tightened considerably in the past month. Among those six cities, Idaho Falls posted the lowest average price today at $3.40, up 9 cents from a week ago. Highest among those cities is Lewiston at $3.52, up 7 cents from a week ago.

Here's a look at gasoline prices in selected Idaho cities in the past month, based on AAA's Fuel Price Finder at www.AAA.com

Idaho Falls, Today, $3.40; Week ago, $3.31; Month ago, $3.18 Twin Falls, Today, $3.49; Week ago, $3.46; Month ago, $3.22 Lewiston, Today, $3.52; Week ago, $3.45; Month ago, $3.05 Coeur d'Alene, Today, $3.48, Week ago, $3.34; Month ago, $2.98 Nampa, Today, $3.49; Week ago, $3.45; Month ago, $3.22

Boise, Today, $3.49; Week ago, $3.45; Month ago, $3.23