Oregon’s statewide average gasoline price continues to fall.

In the past week, the price dropped an average of 4 cents, to $2.98. In three of the four measured metropolitan areas in the state, the decline was more than a nickel a gallon, AAA Oregon reported.

The national average is $2.85 per gallon.

“The heaviest traveled holiday of the year, the Fourth of July, is right around the corner,” said Elliott Eki, AAA Oregon public affairs director. “This year, many families likely will take a four-day weekend, giving them more time to travel. That certainly will impact overall fuel demand and, quite possibly, current pump prices.”

It is expected a record number of Americans will travel during the Fourth of July holiday, reflecting more than a 1 percent increase over last year, despite the higher prices for fuel and lodging. Currently, the national average price for regular gasoline is 65 cents higher than a year ago; in Oregon, it’s 67 cents higher.

Nationwide, the average gasoline price still exceeds $3 per gallon in only five states and the District of Columbia. At $2.98, Oregon’s average gasoline price is ninth-highest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest statewide average price at $3.38. California’s fell to $3.17; Nevada’s is down to $3; Washington’s is $3.05; and Idaho’s remained at $2.90. South Carolina has the lowest statewide average price at $2.63.

The national average diesel price fell to $2.94 per gallon. In California, diesel averages $3.27 per gallon; in Washington, it’s $3.06; in Idaho, it’s $3.09; in Nevada, it’s $3.07; and, in Oregon, it’s down another 4 cents to $3.04.

Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the national Interstate Highway System, created when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act. Back then, 1956, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was 22 cents.