The drop in gasoline prices continued the past week as U.S. oil production has jumped, sending crude oil prices lower here.

A stronger U.S. dollar also helps keep oil prices down. At the same time, demand is weak thanks to more fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S. and slowing economic growth in China. Those factors outweigh global issues any of which could otherwise send oil prices higher.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas is averaging $2.82 a gallon, that's down eight cents in the past week.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $2.87, down eight cents in a week. Nationally, the average is $3.02, which is seven cents less than last week and a quarter less from the same time a year ago. It’s also the lowest level in nearly four years. And twenty states actually have averages below $3.

Here at home, checking prices this morning in Center, the lowest we found was $2.86 at Wal-Mart, down two pennies in the past week, and at E-Z Mart on 96 North at $2.87. Prices are below $2.80 along Hwy. 59 from Garrison to Carthage.

Wholesale gasoline prices suggest the steady decline in U.S. gas prices since is likely to continue. Experts say this is not your garden-variety autumn swoon in gas prices.