(KRON) -- Good news for the millions of drivers across American roads: gas prices are falling. The national average for a gallon of gas has hit a three-year low, the American Automobile Association (AAA) recently announced.
As of Sunday, the national average cost for one gallon of regular gasoline sits at $3.01, according to AAA. That's the lowest in more than three years, the automotive agency reports.
AAA made the announcement on Dec. 5 when gas prices plunged to an average of $3.03 per gallon. However, a few days later, the prices have gone even lower -- nearing below the $3 mark that was last recorded on May 11, 2021, according to AAA.
Of course, most Bay Area and California drivers aren't enjoying these national averages. As of Sunday, the average price of gas in California is $4.36.
The good news is that number is much lower than the same time of year in 2023 when many Californians were driving for a variety of holiday gatherings. The year-ago average was recorded at $4.73, according to AAA.
With the way gas prices are trending, the national average falling below $3 may be a reality very soon. That's something United States drivers have not experienced since early 2021.
“The national average is tantalizingly close to falling below $3 a gallon, and it could happen in a few days,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, said in a news release. “But 32 states already have an average below or well below $3. Hockley County, Texas appears to have the lowest county average, at $2.30.”
California is the second-most expensive gas market in the country, trailing only Hawaii at an average of $4.54, according to AAA data as of Sunday. Several counties in the Bay Area, however, have a higher average than that of the state.
AAA: Average Gas Prices By County (As of 12/8/24)
- Alameda: $4.365
- Contra Costa: $4.361
- Marin: $4.450
- Napa: $4.460
- San Francisco: $4.525
- San Mateo: $4.523
- Santa Clara: $4.307
- Solano: $4.292
- Sonoma: $4.590