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Why Are Gas Prices So Expensive In Idaho?

Frankie Barnhill
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Boise State Public Radio
The gas prices at the Albertsons in Kuna one September 2018 day.

Depending on where you live in Idaho, you might find that prices at your local gas station are 30-40 cents higher per gallonthan in neighboring Wyoming and Montana. So...what’s up with that? 

On this episode on Wanna Know Idaho, we’ll take a look behind the pump, to try and figure out some of the market forces at work in the Gem State. (Hint: think distance from oil fields and refineries, Idaho's explosive growth, extreme weather events, state taxes and geopolitics. Yep, it's complicated.)  

First, let’s drive southwest from Boise to meet this episode’s winning question asker.  

"As I travel through different states, everytime I came into Idaho I noticed that the gas prices and diesel prices went up," question asker John Lawson says. "Except on the western side of the state; but on the eastern side of the state they went up drastically from Montana or Wyoming into Idaho." 

"So, I wondered why." 

John bought his Chevy truck when the price of diesel was less than $3 per gallon. Now he pays about $3.50 per gallon.

 

The answer to his question is pretty complicated, but Wanna Know Idaho is up to the challenge. Click the "listen" button above to find out the answer and subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss the next question we'll tackle. 

Credit Frankie Barnhill / Boise State Public Radio
/
Boise State Public Radio
John Lawson outside his 2016 Chevy pickup, which hauls his camper. He’s semi-retired and says he and his wife want to travel more using the truck. He fuels up at the Albertsons in Kuna because of the price and quality of the diesel.

Speaking of our next question: we're calling all curious folks in the West Central Mountain region to submit their curiosities. McCall, Lake Fork, New Meadows, Cascade, Donnelly and beyond…We're talking to you! Have questions about some aspect of life, culture, the environment or politics in your neck of the woods? Submit them below. 

Oh, and if you’re digging this podcast, let us know! You can do that by giving us a rating on iTunes or leaving a review. It helps other people discover this #content.

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P.S. Thanks to Boise music project ‘Up is the Down is The’ for the awesome theme music. Check the project out on Spotify and Bandcamp.

For more 'Wanna Know Idaho' content, follow host Frankie Barnhill on Twitter 

Copyright 2018 Boise State Public Radio

Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

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