Idaho AAA: July 4th gas prices won't deter travelers

According to the American Automobile Association’s latest projections, a record 47 million Americans will travel fifty miles or more for the upcoming Independence Day -- and more than 247,000 Idahoans will take part.  

“The national average gas price has dropped ten cents since June 1st, while the Idaho average has held steady -- near $3.18 -- for most of the month. With high consumer confidence as a continuing theme of recent holiday travel, few motorists will hesitate to gas up and go this summer,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde.  

OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) recently announced plans to reduce production cuts leading up to the end of an agreement that is set to expire later this year.  “Although the long-term effect should increase crude oil inventories around the world, the process of ramping up production is not expected to have an immediate impact on gas prices. Demand remains fairly strong, which could apply upward pressure on pump prices in the short run,” Conde said.   

Today, the U.S. average gas price is $2.85, which is eleven cents less than a month ago, and 61 cents more than a year ago.  In Idaho, the current price is $3.18 -- the same as a month ago and 59 cents more than a year ago. 

Here’s a look at gas prices across the Gem State:
 

American Falls, $3.19
Ammon, $3.16
Blackfoot, $3.17
Bliss, $3.19
Boise, $3.20
Bonners Ferry, $3.24
Cascade, $3.42
Chubbuck, $3.17
Coeur d’Alene, $3.12
Council, $3.23
Dalton Gardens, $3.11
Donnelly, $3.30
Eden, $3.29
Filer, $3.05
Franklin, $3.19
Fruitland, $3.19
Glenns Ferry, $3.12
Hagerman, $3.20
Hayden, $3.10
Horseshoe Bend, $3.22
Idaho Falls, $3.16
Kellogg, $3.26
Ketchum, $3.33
Lewiston, $3.27
Melba, $3.40
Moscow, $3.29
Mountain Home, $3.11
New Meadows, $3.27
Orofino, $3.22
Parma, $3.20
Pocatello, $3.18
Ponderay, $3.18
Rexburg, $3.20
Saint Maries, $3.20
Soda Springs, $3.20

The Idaho AAA advises travelers to take along some essential supplies –- jumper cables, a first-aid kit, some basic tools, flares or reflectors, mobile power to recharge a cell phone, and extra food. 

“One of the best safety tips is to bring an extra gallon or two of water on the trip,” Conde said.  “You can help people and pets stay hydrated, quickly douse a campfire that may be getting a little out of control, put out a fire caused by an errant firework, or temporarily top off a radiator if the coolant is running low. When it comes to road trips, water is one of the most versatile and overlooked tools in your kit.”  

With an additional 2.4 million people hitting the road and taking to the sky this year, Conde advises building in extra time to reach crowded points of interest. “Too many people get into a ‘hurry up and have fun’ mode that stresses everybody out,” he said. “By having a plan and setting realistic
expectations for what you can accomplish, you’ll be able to relax even if others are feeling frantic.”