U.S. gas prices fall to lowest average in 4 years -- $1.98

April 1 (UPI) -- For the first time in more than four years, the average cost of gasoline in the United States is below $2 per gallon.

According to AAA Wednesday, the average price for regular gasoline nationwide is just above $1.98. It's the first dip below $2 since 2016. A year ago, the average price was $2.69.

AAA said prices have fallen 45 cents, more than 18 percent, since the beginning of March and have fallen more than 25 percent over the last 12 months.

Oklahoma presently has the cheapest average cost for gasoline in the United States ($1.54 per gallon), and Hawaii has the most expensive ($3.36).

The group said it expects the national average to sink to $1.75 per gallon, or less, in April due to historically low oil prices.

"Gas prices [will] keep dropping as cheap crude combines with the realities of people staying home and less demand for gas," said AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano.

Demand for gasoline has evaporated as the coronavirus pandemic has initiated lockdowns or stay-home orders in much of the United States.

Saudi Arabia's move to flood the market with crude oil, in a bid to grab market share from Russia and U.S. shale oil producers, has resulted in the lowest crude oil prices in years.