NATIONAL GASOLINE PRICE AVERAGE DIPS BELOW $2.00 PER GALLON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 3½ YEARS, ACCORDING TO AAA

NEWS from AAA South Dakota, Nov. 21 – For the first time since March 8, 2005, the national average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline has fallen below $2.00, according to AAA South Dakota.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report (www.aaafuelgaugereport.com) shows regular self-serve gas selling for an average of $1.99 today across the country, a drop of $1.87 since hitting $3.86 on Sept. 17 of this year.

“The primary drivers producing these lower pump prices are reduced demand, good supplies and falling crude oil prices,” said Mark Madeja, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. “It’s impossible to know how low the price of gasoline will eventually go, but it’s a good bet that lower fuel prices will be the norm throughout the rest of the year and probably into early 2009.”

South Dakota’s statewide gas price average is currently $1.96. Thanksgiving travelers will pay the same or less if they travel to our neighboring states except in North Dakota where the statewide average is $2.05. Across the nation, there are 21 states with a gas price average above $2.00 today.

To get an idea of your fuel expenses for any future driving tips, visit www.aaa.com and click on Fuel News & Tools to access AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator and more tips and information.