Gas prices across Tennessee continue to cool along with the fall weather this week, dropping an average of seven cents, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.

The state’s average price for a gallon of regular gas now stands at $2.61 — 12 cents lower than a month ago and 18 cents less than this time last year. “Fall weather is in full swing across the state, and so are seasonally low prices at the pump,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Barring any major shifts in the market, it’s likely this trend will continue in the short term, which is great news for drivers.”

Tennessee now ranks as the nation’s fifth least expensive market for gasoline. Nationally, gas prices dipped slightly, with the average price for a gallon of regular falling a couple of cents to $3.05. While the national average has not dropped below $3, drivers are still paying less than they were a year ago — a trend expected to continue into the colder months as travel demand declines.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand held steady at 8.45 million barrels per day. Domestic gasoline supplies fell from 218.8 million barrels to 216.7 million, while production increased to 9.6 million barrels per day.

Tennessee’s most expensive metro markets are Jackson ($2.68), Johnson City ($2.66) and Memphis ($2.65). The least expensive are Clarksville ($2.48), Chattanooga ($2.52) and Cleveland ($2.57).