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. 

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

                                Current                  Week Ago             Month Ago           Year Ago

National:                                 $3.439                         $3.475             $3.810                 $3.438

Florida:                                    $3.367                         $3.430             $3.723                 $3.425

Georgia:                                   $3.232                         $3.303             $3.633                 $3.371

Tennessee:                              $3.179                        $3.239             $3.561                 $3.262