Control apparatus for internal combustion engine

An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: detecting an engine speed NE and an engine load (S100, S 110); when determination is made of being in an idle region based on the engine speed NE and engine load (YES at S120), determining whether in a high load idle region or a low load idle region (S130); reducing the operation sound by stopping a high-pressure fuel pump in a high load idle region (S150); and aiming for combustion stabilization without stopping the high-pressure fuel pump in a low load idle region (S 170).