Gainesville-area gas prices dropped seven cents per gallon over last week.

According to Thursday’s weekly AAA gas report, the cost at the pump went from $3.61 per gallon last week to $3.54 in the Gainesville area. In Florida, the statewide average dropped two cents from $3.51 to 3.49, while the national average fell from $3.64 to $3.60.

“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in the release. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gas demand rose modestly from 8.79 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.87 last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased slightly from 228 to 227.8 million million barrels of crude oil (bbl).  Lackluster pre-Memorial Day demand and steady or falling oil prices could lower pump prices.

Thursday’s national average of $3.60 is four cents less than last month’s $3.64. Last year, the price was at $3.53.

Florida is the 24^th most expensive state in price per gallon at $3.49. Last month, gas was $3.59 per gallon and last year it was $3.46 statewide.  

In the Gainesville area, last month’s price was $3.62 per gallon, and last year it was $3.48.

According to gasbuddy.com, here are the lowest prices to fill up in Alachua County: 

• $3.29 at Murphy’s Express, 6323 NW 23^rd St., Gainesville
• $3.29 at Pilot, 17276 US 301, Waldo
• $3.29 at Sunoco, 5310 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $2.35 at Chevron, 830 NW 1^st St., High Springs
• $3.36 at Sam’s Club, 4001 SW 30^th Place, Gainesville
• $3.37 at Circle K, 16070 Martin Luther King Blvd., Alachua
• $3.37 at Pure, 405 NE 1^st, High Springs
• $3.39 at Sunoco, 610 NE 1^st Ave., High Springs
• $3.39 at Sunoco, 4207 NW 13^th St., Gainesville
• $3.39 at Circle K, 15089 NW US 441, Alachua

Quick Stats

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest weekly changes in their averages: Colorado (+14 cents), Indiana (-11 cents), New Mexico (+11 cents), Nevada (-8 cents), Utah (-8 cents), Tennessee (-8 cents), California (-7 cents), Ohio (-7 cents), Delaware (-6 cents) and Maryland (-6 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets are California ($5.24), Hawaii ($4.80), Washington ($4.62), Nevada ($4.40), Oregon ($4.40), Alaska ($4.34), Arizona ($3.92), Illinois ($3.89), Idaho ($3.83), and Pennsylvania ($3.75).