As Ohio gasoline prices continue their quick descent, the statewide average is back below $3 a gallon for the first time since last winter.

The daily survey from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service has regular averaging $2.99 in Ohio, down from about $3.06 the day before.

The state's average price has fallen 26 percent from the record of $4.05 reached on July 3rd.

The drop in gasoline costs has accompanied a slide in oil prices resulting from declining demand in the face of a global economic crisis.

Industry analysts say gas could fall as low as $2.50 to $2.75 a gallon, but many see that as a temporary pause before prices rise again.

Gas in Bellefontaine has dropped below $2.70 a gallon at some locations.