Average gas price falls below $4 in Raleigh

For the first time in months, the average gas price is below $4 in Raleigh.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas is now $3.98 in the City of Oaks, according to Monday's 3 a.m. update from AAA. The average in the state is $4.03, and the national average is $4.36.

One month ago, gas was $4.50 per gallon. One year ago, the average was $2.89.

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One reason for the drop in price is gas consumption has dropped.

According to GasBuddy analysts, prices will continue to improve, but something like a hurricane could shoot prices back up.

“Gas prices continue falling coast to coast, with the national average last week declining for the sixth straight week, or 40 days in a row," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "I have no reason yet to expect the decline won't reach seven straight weeks, as gas stations still have plenty of room to decline as oil prices remain under $100 per barrel. However, should the tropics become more active, the decline could eventually reverse."

Diesel prices are also dipping, with the average in Raleigh at $5.03 on Monday. The decrease in price could help some with inflation as truck drivers fill up to deliver groceries and other items across the nation.