Gasoline prices nationwide have dropped by an average of 33 cents in the past month, but Idaho levels remain near record highs.

AAA Idaho’s Dave Carlson says that the US average price for self-serve regular gas dropped to $3.78 a gallon this week, while Idaho’s is still $4.04 a gallon, the fifth-highest in the nation.

AAA Idaho’s Dave Carlson comments

Idaho isn’t alone, as other Northwest states are also holding at higher levels - Washington’s average price for a gallon of unleaded is $4.03, Montana $4.00 and Oregon $3.97.

Meanwhile, Carlson says the quiet, rapid switchover to ethanol-blended gas has Idahoans wondering where they can buy gasoline without the renewable fuel added. The EPA requires that 7.76 percent of gas products be blended with ethanol, and many stations have switched to a 10 percent blend, making it harder for motorists and recreationists to find-ethanol-free fill-ups.

For more information call Triple-A at 1-800-999-9391 or go online to www.aaaidaho.com.