National average gas price drops below $3 for first time in four years

WASHINGTON — The national average price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time in more than four years, according to new data from GasBuddy. The fuel price tracker said that the milestone comes as gas prices decline in all 50 states, highlighting an “exceptionally rare” trend heading into the holidays when many are traveling by car.

“We haven’t seen the national average fall this low in over four years, and the speed and breadth of the decline are remarkable,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said. “Every single state has seen relief at the pump over the past week, a rare feat that underscores how challenging the fundamentals are for gasoline prices right now.”

GasBuddy collects gas price data from customers using its app, as well as local