TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2012) – Gas prices continue to drop across the Southeast region as motorists gear up for Thanksgiving travel. This is positive news for travelers who are paying less for a gallon of gas than they did this time last year.

Although gas prices are on a downward trend, the cost for a barrel of oil increased slightly after consumer sentiment increased to 84.9 this month from 82.6 in October, according to a Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan report.

"Although oil prices inched up slightly, retail gas prices are expected to fall throughout the month," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. "Pump prices continue to look more attractive to travelers who plan to take a Thanksgiving road trip this year."

A barrel of oil closed Friday at $86.07—$1.21 more than the week prior.

The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.44, 4 cents less than last week. Florida’s average of $3.37 and Tennessee’s average of $3.18 both dropped 6 cents from last week. Georgia’s average price of $3.23 decreased 7 cents from last week, respectively. Visit AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report to find national, state, and local metro market retail gasoline prices.

Current and past gas price averages: National:

Current-$3.439

Last week-$3.475

Last month-$3.810

Last year-$3.438

Florida:

Current-$3.367

Last week-$3.430

Last month-$3.723

Last year-$3.425

Georgia:

Current-$3.232

Last week-$3.303

Last month-$3.633

Last year-$3.371

Tennessee:

Current-$3.179

Last week-$3.239

Last month-$3.561

Last year-$3.262