Prices at the pump are already at the lowest level of the year, with the national average price for gasoline at $3.24 a gallon. But drivers in about 70 percent of the U.S. are feeling even more relief, as local stations post prices below the $3 mark.
About 35 states have stations with gasoline below $3 a gallon, representing about 15 percent of stations across the nation, according to AAA.
In five states—Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Kansas—Gasbuddy.com finds the average regular gas price for the state has already dropped below $3 a gallon.
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AAA predicts 10 states—mostly in the the South Central and Gulf region—will see the statewide average for pump prices below $3 a gallon by the end of the year. AAA said the national average price of gasoline will likely fall to $3.10 a gallon by year's end, but won't dip below the $3 mark as crude oil prices remain relatively expensive.
"There's a chance gasoline will dip below $3 [for the national average] but it will take a considerable rebound in the U.S. dollar or financial collapse to bring the national average below that," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for Gasbuddy.com. "That said, for people who really shop around for gas, in most states they'll be able to find it for less than $3."
Gasoline prices have declined as U.S. crude oil prices have plummeted from $110 a barrel at the end of August on concerns about a possible U.S. strike against Syria to below $95 a gallon, the lowest price since June, as domestic crude supplies have risen sharply in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the end of the summer driving season has resulted in an abundant supply of gasoline, with inventories up 7 percent from a year ago, and demand has declined. "There's little demand in the fourth quarter and plenty of supply out there. Fundamentals have finally taken center stage," said trader Anthony Grizanti of GRZ Energy and a CNBC contributor.
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A seasonal shift in gasoline processing has helped to lower prices at the pump too. "It costs about 10-15 cents less to make the winter-blend of gasoline than the summer blend," said AAA spokesperson Michael Green.
As a result of all of these factors, gasoline prices haven't been this cheap since 2010, having fallen 34 cents since Labor Day and 22 cents from a year ago. Even in the high-priced New York metropolitan area, pump prices fallen dramatically after topping the $4 mark a year ago, when Hurricane Sandy damaged local refineries.
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Local gas prices are about 40-50 cents cheaper in New Jersey, Long Island and New York City than the first weeks of November last year. The state-wide average in New Jersey is $3.14 a gallon and in New York City prices are about $3.63 a gallon on average, according to AAA.
While the national average may not fall below $3 a gallon, many analysts say prices should remain under pressure through the New Year.
"Prices probably won't start to rise again until Valentine's Day as we anticipate the spring and summer driving season of 2014. But for now, this market is very well supplied," Grisanti said. Drivers have been paying less than they did a year for gasoline for the last three months and that trend is likely to continue.
—By CNBC's Sharon Epperson. Follow her on Twitter: @sharon_epperson