Why is gas expensive in Idaho?
Idaho's gasoline averages $3.46 a gallon, $0.08 above the U.S. average of $3.38. About 33 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Idaho stations.
What you're paying for
Idaho pays about $0.08 more per gallon than the U.S. average. State taxes and regional supply costs account for most of the gap.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Idaho U.S. average
Idaho, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.46 a gallon in Idaho?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Idaho's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.73 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 33 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.08 above the national average of $3.38.
How much of Idaho's gas price is taxes?+
Idaho charges about 33 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 15% of the $3.46 pump price.
Does Idaho have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Idaho does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.