BOISE — Average retail gasoline prices in Idaho have risen 5.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.39 a gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 802 gas outlets in Idaho. This compares with the national average that has increased 11.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.68 a gallon.

    Furthermore, prices on Feb. 17 were 26.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 42.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 42.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 16.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

    "The steady climb of retail gas prices is likely to continue following double-digit increases in wholesale prices with fuel production tightening in the majority of the country's refineries," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski in a news release. "Los Angeles has climbed to $4.28 per gallon with a 55-cent average price increase in the past month, and that rate was surpassed in Chicago ($4.09 average price) and Detroit ($3.86 per gallon average), where motorists saw 63- and 64-cent respective increases over the same period. New York crossed the $4 threshhold too."

    GasBuddy offers a free smartphone app to help motorists find the lowest gasoline prices in their area. For more information visit www.gasbuddy.com.