The nationwide average price for a gallon of gas could soon reach the $3.00 mark for the first time in four years. That’s according to AAA, which reports that Monday’s average is $3.03, a drop of almost five cents over the past week. The average prices at the pump for New York State and Chautauqua County both fell nearly three cents during that same time, which the statewide average now at $3.13 and Chautauqua County’s average at $3.26. One year ago, the national average was $3.18, and the state average was $3.23.
AAA says several factors are behind the drop, including falling crude oil prices, lower gas demand, and cheaper winter-blend gas at the pump. Oil was trading in the $57-61 range per barrel as of Monday morning…