National gas prices dip below $2 for first time since 2009

The average price for a gallon of gas in the United States dipped below $2 on Monday for the first time since 2009, the auto club AAA reported. 

The average gas price on Monday morning was $1.998 per gallon, the group said, or about 41 cents cheaper than one year ago. The last time prices were this low across the United States was March 25, 2009.

{mosads}Gas prices traditionally fall during the winter months because people use less fuel. But AAA said they are particularly low this year because of high gasoline supplies and low oil prices around the world. 

The group expects the low prices to last through at least January before rising later on in the winter. Prices could drop further, however, if crude oil remains low.

AAA said the average price of a gallon of gas may not go above $3 per gallon next year due to low crude oil prices and high supplies. 

It said the low prices have saved drivers more than $115 billion on gas so far this year, or $550 per driver. Americans are on pace to drive a record amount in 2015 — having already driven 2.63 trillion miles —  due primarily to the low gas prices, the group added.

“We have witnessed a dramatic shift in gas prices that has saved families hundreds of dollars so far this year,” AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney said. “The best news of all is that there is room for prices to drop even more in the coming weeks.”