The nation's struggling economy pushed gas prices down over the past week.
Analysts said the combination of an increase in joblessness and decrease in demand forced crude oil prices lower and the result was a decline in prices at the pump.
Crude oil fell below $80 a barrel and could dip further this week, according to AAA. Also over the past week, the federal government reported that jobless claims rose by 2,000 to 484,000 - the highest level since February.
“The price of crude oil will most likely move lower this week and may trade below $75 a barrel as the condition of the U.S. economy does not support prices much higher,” said Jessica Brady, manager of public relations for AAA. “As a result, consumers can expect to see gas prices go down this week and it's possible prices may decrease further into the Labor Day weekend.”
Prices fell by about three cents a gallon statewide and were down an average of two cents a gallon nationwide.
