News 12 at 11 o'clock, October 25, 2008

A little bit of good news has come out of the current financial crisis. The national average for gasoline is lower than a year ago.

A lot has changed over the past few months, and drivers are hoping the prices will continue to drop. Seeing $2.39 a gallon is a relief.

"I just think it's fantastic, because it used to be four dollars, and nobody can afford that, especially not what I do for a living," said Brenda Deleon, a driver for Checker Cab of Augusta. For her, filling up at a gas station is an everyday stop.

Right now she spends 30 to 40 bucks a day. A few months ago, it was $60 a day.

"Well, I can just go a whole lot farther, and don't have to pay that much for gas anymore," Brenda said. "But I hope it doesn't go back up."

According to the Department of Energy, the average price of gasoline in Georgia is $2.59 a gallon. A year ago, it was $2.76 a gallon.

In South Carolina, the average price of gasoline is $2.60. A year ago, it was $2.66.

"I think it's $2.39, and I'm going to stop and get what I can," said Deborah Gartrell.

Some drivers say the low gas prices give them some confidence that the economy will turn around--a big change from the gas shortage just a few months ago.

"I stood in line at this gas station for an hour when it was real high. People running out of gas, waiting to get gas, it was terrible," Deborah said.

The national average for a gallon of gas is $2.71. That's much lower than last year, when it was $2.92.