WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Motor group AAA said Monday the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States was $3.39, extending a downward trend.
The average price was down from $3.47 one week ago.
AAA said drivers in every state and the District of Columbia are paying less for gasoline than they were last year.
A series of refinery issues in the Midwest market pushed gasoline prices above the $4 per gallon mark in some areas this year. Chicago has some of the highest prices in the region, with an average price Monday of $3.85 for a gallon of regular unleaded.
AAA said last week it expected gasoline prices would continue to drop for the rest of the year barring natural disasters or other unexpected disruptions to production and distribution.
Oil prices, which drive prices at the pump, are lower because of geopolitical developments with Iran and an increase in oil production from in Libya. U.S. refiners are also using a winter-blend of gasoline, which is cheaper to produce.
Monday marked the 1,013th consecutive day the national average price for gasoline held above the $3 per gallon mark.
