Idaho’s gas prices are the eighth-highest in the nation, 24 cents over the national average, reports AAA of Idaho. But they’re also running 59 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, are at the lowest level for July since 2005, and have been stable – within a penny or so of their current $2.47 average – all summer.

Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho spokesman, said, “The region’s isolation from refineries near enough to boost competitive pricing tends to keep pump prices higher.” Other western states, including Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California, join Idaho with some of the nation’s highest prices, he noted.

Variation around the state isn’t terribly high right now, AAA reports. A sampling: Boise, $2.52 a gallon; Arco, $2.48; Coeur d’Alene, $2.46; Driggs, $2.54; Idaho Falls, $2.38; Kooskia, $2.39; Lewiston, $2.34; Nampa, $2.52; Pocatello, $2.40; Riggins, $2.60; and Twin Falls, $2.39.