Gasoline prices in Douglas have dropped more than 20 cents in the last week, signaling some relief for many motorists here. The cheapest gas is about $3.70 per gallon

Gas prices have dropped by more than 30 cents a gallon in the last few weeks, and additional drops are expected next week.

The last time Arizona motorists experienced a drop in fuel prices of more than a nickel over the course of a week occurred in August 2007, said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman.

Statewide, drivers are currently paying $3.997 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.  Flagstaff drivers are paying the most to fill their tanks at $4.208 per gallon.

Nationwide, the current average is $4.026 per gallon, a drop of nearly nine cents from last week. __This week, the Department of Energy revealed further proof that motorists are cutting back on fuel as the agency reported demand to be 2.4 percent lower over this time last year.

This news, coupled with the realization that Hurricane Dolly would not constitute a serious threat to oil infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico, supported downward pressure on crude prices.

Crude oil is currently trading in the mid $120 per barrel range, which is approximately $20 below its all-time high prices of $147 per barrel established earlier this month. __

"The fact that Hurricane Dolly did not have an impact on the market further demonstrates that the cost of gasoline has peaked," Gorman said. "Looking forward, we do not anticipate the current downturn in prices to reverse in the short term unless there is a major supply disruption."

__The cheapest gasoline in the continental United States is in Oklahoma, where unleaded regular is $3.793 per gallon. California drivers are paying the most for fuel in the country at $4.396 per gallon, the AAA said.

__Motorists can visit www.AAAAZ.com/news/fuelnews.htm for fuel price information and gas saving tips or go to www.AAA.com/fuelfinder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in their neighborhood. They can also visit AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which can help drivers plan out their fuel costs so they can budget their travel expenses in advance.

 From now through September 30, drivers can also go to www.aaa.com/sweepstakes, visit a local AAA office or call 1.866.298.1232 to request a new insurance quote from AAA to receive a $10 gas card from AAA Insurance and be entered into the grand prize drawing of $20,000 in free gas. Those requesting a quote will also be entered into a monthly drawing to win $1,000 in free gas.