New York (CNN) — The last time gasoline was this cheap, 4% inflation seemed alarming, JD Vance was still a private citizen and the United States had only just begun its messy withdrawal from Afghanistan .

Gas prices dropped below an average of $3 a gallon in the United States on Tuesday for the first time in four-and-a-half years, according to AAA.

The milestone represents a rare feel-good story in a years-long affordability crisis marked by high prices for necessities.

The national average for regular gas dipped to $2.998 a gallon , compared with $3.001 on Monday. Pump prices are down about six cents in just the past week and are below $3 for the first time since May 2021.

Gas is also cheaper than it was last year, albeit modestly. The national average a year ago was $3.05 a

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