John Nelson has noticed that local gas prices have increased in the past month.

"It's something I watch pretty closely," the Post Falls man said on Tuesday while filling up. "I'm on a budget like everyone else."

Prices have increased 11 cents to a $3.40 average in Coeur d'Alene in the past month and 8 cents in Post Falls to $3.43.

But, on a broader scale, those prices may not seem so bad.

Idaho's gas price average of $3.43 on Tuesday was the third-lowest in the nation heading into Easter weekend behind Wyoming at $3.33 and Montana at $3.36. The nation's average is at $3.66.

The state and local averages are about 30 cents cheaper than last year at this time.

That still doesn't pep up some motorists such as Nelson.

"Anything above $3 is too high, but that's just the norm anymore," he said. "What are you going to do? Get used to it, I guess."

As for the recent rise in local prices, Dave Carlson, AAA spokesman, said he doesn't have a specific explanation for the bump.

North Idaho prices have been below the Idaho average for most of the year, he said.

"We can only speculate that the wholesale price paid by retailers in North Idaho has been less during that period," Carlson said.

Gas in this area comes from the refineries that serve western Washington. However, Washington's average of $3.76 is among the most expensive.

Carlson said it's still too soon to say whether retail prices have peaked this spring because there is still refinery maintenance to be completed and much of the country has yet to transition to summer-blend gasoline.

Oil prices have climbed slightly in the past few days, but have remained in the $90 range this year.

"And access to some less expensive, plentiful oil from Canada and North Dakota likely are helping keep a lid on retail prices in the region," Carlson said.

The nation has avoided matching the high fuel marks from the prior two years around this time. The U.S. average hit $3.98 on May 11, 2011 and $3.94 on April 5, 2012.

The highest U.S. average price to date this year was $3.79 on Feb. 27.