How high can they go?

As Jen Davis nervously watched the gas price rise while filling up on Tuesday, she couldn't take it any longer and stopped the pump at $50.

"Didn't even fill it up?" the Post Falls woman said. "Oh well. If I can't get to where I'm going on $50, I might as well stay home."

Her thoughts are understandable, especially after the recent gas price surge.

Prices in Coeur d'Alene have climbed 14 cents in the past month and averaged $3.74 per gallon on Tuesday, according to AAA. Coeur d'Alene's price is still the lowest in the state among seven metro areas.

With the state's average being $3.84 - a 7-cent increase since July 26 - Idahoans are paying more for a gallon of gas than any time this year and the eighth-highest price in the country. The nation's average, which has declined in recent days, is $3.61.

Dave Carlson, AAA spokesman, said he believes the likelihood of local prices reaching the $4 mark is "limited."

"Times are different, but Idaho's record $4.16 price in 2008 came on the heels of $147 oil and a total market crash," Carlson said. "Demand is up, but I think the markets will be more respectful of that number."

In the past month, oil prices have risen on the influence of tensions in the Mideast, Carlson said.

"That has influence on gas prices here and across the country," he said. "Some of the emotion behind the oil markets seems to be waning, so unless tensions suddenly resurface, oil prices should have limited impact on pump prices."

Regional refinery production issues have more potential to impact prices in Idaho, he said.

"North Idaho's prices have been more subdued this year, but the regional influence to potential disruptions and tight supplies could keep pressure on Idaho prices in the next month - and perhaps into the fall months," Carlson said. "North Idaho appears to have a more stable relationship with regional wholesale suppliers, which could keep prices somewhat lower than areas like Boise and Twin Falls."

Idaho's isolation from potential fuel supplies and tight production levels from refineries in Wyoming and Utah suggest we'll see pressure at the pumps for awhile, Carlson said.

Coeur d'Alene prices were at or above $3.74 a gallon from Sept. 1 through Oct. 25 last year, according to AAA. During that time, they peaked at $3.85 a gallon on Oct. 12.

The highest prices in the country include: Connecticut, $3.99; California, $3.95; and Washington, $3.91. The lowest prices include: South Carolina, $3.28; Alabama, $3.35; and Mississippi, $3.37.