Motorists received a little relief at the pumps this week, as gas prices continued a recent decline.

In California, the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline dropped another $0.06 cents in one week to $3.61, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.

Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.59, that’s $0.02 cents cheaper than the state average, and a decrease of $0.24 since last month’s AAA report on Oct. 8. For perspective, gas prices this week are $ 0.25 less expensive than California’s average price this week last year. California is recording the highest contiguous state average price for regular unleaded gasoline.

 “Thanks to a light hurricane season, the completion of winter blend conversion and less demand by consumers, gas prices continue on a downward trend,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Barring any unforeseen event, AAA expects the state average at the pump to continue to fall as we approach the end of the year.”           

In Turlock, motorists are seeing even lower prices at the pump. According to GasBuddy.com, the lowest price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline could be found on Tuesday for $3.23 at ARCO on Lander Avenue, Costco on Tegner Road and at Safeway on Countryside Drive. That is $0.12 cents cheaper than the Oct. 24 lowest price in town of $3.35.

The national average price on Tuesday was $3.18 per gallon — $.01 lower than Monday, $.06 lower than a week ago, $.17 lower than last month’s AAA report and $.26 lower than a year ago. The downward trend is being seen nationwide, as every state reports lower prices than a week ago, a month ago and a year ago. Hawaii is the only state to have an average price over the $4 mark. The highest price in the contiguous states is recorded in California at $3.61. Average prices have fallen below the psychologically significant $3 threshold in six states: Arkansas, $2.93; Kansas, $2.95; Louisiana, $2.99; Missouri, $2.81; Oklahoma, $2.93; and Texas, $2.94. Twelve states are within a dime of the $3 mark.