Gasoline prices, which seem lower with each trip to the gas station, could drop as low as $1 a gallon soon.
Many oil industry experts speculate that the $1-a-gallon price could be seen within the next few months, according to a news release from AAA.
Gregg Laskoski, managing director of AAA Auto Club South, said plunging gas prices are a result of the slow economy. With less demand for crude oil, prices have fallen in response.
Prices in Gainesville averaged $1.83 on Monday, down about 50 cents from a month ago and about $1.30 from a year ago.
The state average, at $1.77, and the national average, at $1.71, were also down about $1.30 from last year.
Once the economy improves, consumer demand will increase and the price for crude oil will rise, Laskoski said.
But the continued decrease in prices is not certain, he said. While prices should remain low overall, other factors could cause them to increase sooner than expected.
Laskoski said crude oil prices were up Monday afternoon in response to a proposed bill to create financial bailout packages for top American automakers.
Whether prices decline or increase, he said any movement will be gradual.
