(September 7, 2016) The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has dropped six consecutive days after rising for 16 straight days to close out August. The national average is $2.20 per gallon. Gas prices started turning lower heading into the Labor Day weekend, which marks the unofficial end to the summer driving season.

The national average is two cents less than a week ago and 18 cents less than a year ago but 8 cents more than one month ago, according to AAA. The year-on-year discount persists but has closed more than 30 cents in just 20 days.

Prices rose in the second half of August due to increasing crude oil prices and uncertainty regarding Hurricane Hermine’s impact on Gulf Coast refineries. When it became clear that the storm would not impact production, prices dropped quickly during the second half of last week and through the weekend. While the possibility of future storms over the remaining months of hurricane season could send prices temporarily higher, the seasonal effects of lower demand — with the busy summer driving season in the rear view — combined with the changeover to cheaper-to-produce winter blend gasoline likely mean prices will move lower over the next several months.

Quick stats:

    • Gas prices in four states are below $2 per gallon: South Carolina ($1.94), Alabama ($1.97), Mississippi ($1.98) and New Jersey ($1.99).

    • The biggest weekly price decreases are reflected in Michigan (-11 cents), Missouri (-7 cents), Oklahoma (-7 cents), Illinois (-6 cents), Minnesota (-4 cents), Ohio (-4 cents), Alaska (-3 cents), Iowa (-3 cents), Kentucky (-3 cents) and South Dakota (-3 cents).