Houthi Rebels Disrupt Oil Shipments, Idaho Gas Prices Soar

Crude oil prices have surged to nearly $88 per barrel following an attempt by Houthi rebels to block oil shipments from Saudi Arabia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This disruption has put pressure on the global market, causing a significant increase in gas prices across Idaho.

The Lewiston Tribune reports that gas prices are up 18 cents from last week, with Idahoans now paying an average of $4.23 per gallon. This is a 75-cent increase from this time last year and 13 cents higher than the national average of $4.10.

According to AAA, national gas prices have risen by over 90 cents since last year. Idaho's gas prices remain among the highest in the country, with the state ranking 12th in terms of expensive gas prices.

Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho, noted that the recent escalation of global conflict adds uncertainty to the market. 'The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran that briefly calmed the crude oil market is no longer in effect, which adds more uncertainty to the equation,' he said.