NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Gas prices continued their nationwide decline on Tuesday, as South Carolina became the first state in nearly a year and a half to hit an average of less than $3 per gallon.
The statewide average price for South Carolina was $2.987 per gallon of unleaded gasoline on Tuesday, according to AAA. This is the first time that the statewide average in any state has dipped below $3 since Missouri crossed that line on Feb. 22, 2011.
“The last time South Carolina was below $3 a gallon was on Feb. 19, 2011,” said AAA, in a prepared statement. “Protests in Libya began on Feb. 15, 2011, meaning it has taken a year and a half for prices to return to levels seen before the unrest in Libya began.”
The national average for unleaded gasoline dropped to $3.397 per gallon, in its 14th consecutive decrease, according to the motorist group. That’s the lowest price since Jan. 27, 2012, when the national average was $3.389. Gas has fallen by 10 cents in one week and by 25 cents in one month.