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.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Washington has hit $4.22, while Idaho has reached the $4.00 mark.

According to the Triple-A, the national average for regular unleaded is a record-high $4.02 a gallon.

Washington tops Northwest states, while Idaho ranks in the middle of neighboring states, with Wyoming at $3.86, Montana at $3.96 and Utah at $3.97. Oregon drivers are paying $4.18 a gallon.

California has the highest average gas price at $4.44 a gallon, while Missouri and South Carolina tie for the lowest price at $3.83 a gallon.

The American Automobile Association believes a slow U.S. economy combined with record high gasoline prices will dictate how many people will travel over the Memorial Day holiday.

Dave Carlson with AAA-Idaho says with most Americans making decisions with their wallets and bank accounts, travel numbers over the holiday weekend will most likely dip compared with last year.

AAA-Idaho’s Dave Carlson comments

In Idaho, travel numbers are also expected to be down by about 8,000 this year compared to a year ago.

Carlson continues

Triple-A is also reminding motorists that proper maintenance, good preparation and non-aggressive driving can pay off with less fuel used and safer travel. More tips and information can be found at http://www.aaa.com.