The recent downward trend of gasoline prices continued this week as the new year began, according to GasBuddy.com and AAA.

The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline Monday was $2.26. The average price in Alabama was $1.94. The state with the lowest average Monday was Missouri at $1.85.

Including the change locally during the past week, prices Sunday were 24.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago and are 22.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has dropped 21.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 23.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Gasoline prices in the Huntsville area have fallen 4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.98 per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 261 stations in Huntsville. Prices in Athens ranged Monday from $1.87 at Murphy USA at Wal-Mart to $1.95 at the Raceway at the intersection of U.S. 72 and Kelli Drive.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said U.S. motorists are keeping more than $250 million in their pockets as compared to 80 days ago. He added the plunge may last another another couple of weeks.

GasBuddy will release its 2019 fuel price outlook Wednesday.

“I would encourage motorists to check it out for all the possibilities for pump prices into the new year,” DeHaan said.