BOISE - The sustained drop in oil prices, now more than $100 per barrel lower than a record high set in July, are pushing pump prices even lower. AAA Idaho said Wednesday Idaho's average price for regular self-serve gasoline was $1.65, down 15 cents in the past week, and 5 cents lower than the national average of $1.70. Idaho's average price is more than a dollar lower than it was Oct. 1 and $2.51 lower than the record average price in July.

The Energy Department predicted an average price of $2.03 per gallon, and an average oil price of $51 per barrel for 2009. The last year average annual U.S. prices were in that range was 2004.

The gaps in gas prices within Idaho have closed substantially. A month ago, the average price in Boise was $2.42, compared to $2.02 in Coeur d'Alene and $2.39 in Pocatello. Pocatello posted a $1.52 average Wednesday. Boise and Coeur d'Alene were both at $1.62. The cheapest non-discount gas price for Pocatello posted on www.gasbuddy.com was $1.41.

Missouri has the least expensive gas in the country for the fifth week in a row at $1.48. Alaska reported the highest average price at $2.71, followed by Hawaii, $2.53 and New York, $2.05.