Idahoans Pay a Premium Price for Labor Day Gas

Idaho′s average price is 30 cents higher a gallon than U.S. average

BOISE - Though Gem state motorists will pay about 30 cents a gallon more for regular grade gasoline than the U.S. average, plenty will still hit the road to take advantage of the last three-day weekend of summer, according to AAA Idaho.

"Our travel projections for Idaho and other Mountain West states point to a ten percent increase in the number of auto travelers this year compared to a year ago," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. "We do not expect Idaho′s higher gas prices will have any sizable impact on travel intentions, though the final tally may have more to say on that topic."

Based on AAA′s Daily Fuel Gauge Report (www.fuelgaugereport.com), Idaho′s average price is $2.99, up four cents in the past three weeks and 31 cents higher than the national average of $2.68.

Idaho′s average price is tied for fifth highest in the country today, behind Alaska, $3.51; Hawaii, $3.47; California, $3.08; and Washington, $3.06. Oregon and Idaho both posted average prices of $2.99 today.

AAA said the spread between lows and highs is unusually large. South Carolina posted the lowest statewide price at $2.45 today, followed by Missouri, $2.46 and Mississippi and Tennessee, both at $2.50.

Regional price fluctuations are not unusual, according to AAA, but during the past five months, Idaho′s average price has been more than 20 cents higher than the U.S. average.

"Motorists who travel out of the region are aware of the major price disparities, especially as they budget during these tough economic times," Carlson said. "They understand that market factors can influence prices from region to region and even locally, but it′s difficult to comprehend what′s driving this year′s high pump prices in Idaho."

AAA Idaho expects that 91 percent of all holiday travelers will go by car, accounting for 31.4 million of the 34.4 million travelers expected to travel 50 miles or more from home.

Editor: An audio version of this news release is available on the AAA News Hotline. In Boise, call 342-9391. Outside Boise, call toll free, 1-800-999-9391. Ask for the AAA News Hotline.