Gas prices nationwide slid to $3.44 per gallon while the cost at the pump in the Gainesville area decreased to $3.28 since last week.

According to the AAA weekly release sent Thursday, the national average per gallon dipped nine cents since last week due to the flat demand and the continued lower cost per barrel of oil.

In the Gainesville area, prices went from $3.34 last week to $3.28. In Florida, the average price dropped 10 cents from $3.32 to $3.22, and nationwide the cost dipped from $3.53 to $3.44.

“There are now thousands of gas stations selling regular below $3 a gallon and even a few that have dipped below $2,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in the press release. “We still need to watch global events for the effect on oil prices, but for now, drivers will benefit from falling prices with every visit to the pump.” 

New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand decreased from 8.86 to 8.7 million barrels per day (b/d) last week. Domestically, gasoline stocks remained flat at 223.5 barrels of crude oil (bbl) as lower gas demand coupled with declining oil prices contributed to declining cost at the pump.

Today’s national average of $3.44 is 37 cents less than last month’s $3.81 and 32 cents less than last year’s $3.76.

Florida has the 17^th least expensive price per gallon nationally. Last month, gas was $3.48 per gallon and last year it was $3.38 statewide.  

In the Gainesville area, last month’s price was $3.50 per gallon and last year it was $3.56.

According to gasbuddy.com, here are the lowest prices to fill up in Alachua County:   

• $3.09 at Pilot, 17276 US 301, Waldo
• $3.09 at Raceway, 15330 NW 301, Waldo
• $3.10 at Sam’s Club, 4001 SW 30^th Pl, Gainesville
• $3.11 at Murphy’s Express, 6323 NW 23^rd St., Gainesville
• $3.13 at Circle K, 16070 Marin Luther King Blvd., Alachua
• $3.13 at Circle K, 4565 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.14 at Circle K, 15089 NW US 441, Alachua
• $3.14 at Marathon, 9600 Martin Luther Hwy, Gainesville
• $3.15 at Sunoco, 4207 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
  

Quick Stats

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest decreases in their averages: Arizona (−19 cents), Montana (−16 cents), California (−14 cents), Colorado (−14 cents), Oklahoma (−12 cents), New Mexico (−12 cents), Iowa (−11 cents), Nevada (−11 cents), North Dakota (−11 cents) and Alaska (−11 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Texas ($2.93), Georgia ($2.93), Mississippi ($2.94), Louisiana ($3.01), South Carolina ($3.02), Alabama ($3.02), Arkansas ($3.04), Tennessee ($3.06), Oklahoma ($3.09) and Kentucky ($3.11).