Drivers across the U.S. have received a pleasant surprise as gas prices have reached a three-year low. As of December 8, 2024, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen to $3.01, marking the lowest price in more than three years. This drop is part of a broader trend that began in late November, with prices continuing to decrease even further in recent days.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average for gas dipped to $3.03 per gallon on December 5, 2024, and has continued to decline, nearing the $3 mark not seen since May 2021. As the national average approaches this key threshold, it is expected that prices below $3 per gallon could become a reality soon, something U.S. drivers have not experienced since early 2021. AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross mentioned, “The national average is tantalizingly close to falling below $3 a gallon, and it could happen in a few days.”

While the nationwide trend shows a decline, certain regions like California are still seeing higher gas prices. As of Sunday, the average price for gas in California stands at $4.36 per gallon, which is lower than the same period in 2023 when the state saw prices as high as $4.73. Despite this, California remains the second-most expensive gas market in the U.S., behind only Hawaii, where the average price is $4.54 per gallon.

Several counties in California, especially in the Bay Area, report prices even higher. For instance, San Francisco’s average gas price is $4.525 per gallon, with Napa and Sonoma counties seeing similar high figures. However, the trend is encouraging for most parts of the country, with 32 states now averaging below $3 per gallon. Some areas, like Hockley County, Texas, have the lowest prices, with averages as low as $2.30.

For more details on the latest gas price trends and how they impact your local area, visit AAA’s official site. This drop in gas prices is a welcome relief for many drivers, especially during the holiday season when travel often peaks.

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