Gas prices down this week

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell six cents in the last week to $4.27 and the state and local averages are down as well.

The average price in Hall County is $3.67, compared to $3.72 a week ago, while the state average is down another nine cents to $3.64.

AAA says the drops are fueled by the transition to winter-blend gasoline which is cheaper to produce and costs less for consumers. But high crude oil prices are preventing steep declines at the pump.

Currently, the price for a barrel of crude oil is nearing $100 amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz. This month is poised to set a record as the most expensive October ever for gas prices following similar records set in August and September