Idaho’s average gas price as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches is $2.87 a gallon, 88 cents less than a year ago, the AAA reports, but 42 cents higher than the U.S. average of $2.45. A year ago, Idahoans were paying 33 cents more per gallon than the national average, so that gap has widened; Idaho's prices are sixth-highest in the nation.

“Idaho is slower to see the benefits of tumbling oil prices,” said Dave Carlson, AAA Idaho public affairs director. “Call it a persistent, recurring and seasonal theme, influenced by tight supplies, higher driver demand and the absence of outside competition.”