For a long time driving by a gas pump around Crossville would make one cringe and try not to look at the current gas price – helped keep stress down that way.  But now, it’s hard to keep our eyes off the big signs with $2.55 a gallon.  Some look on with amazement.  Here’s the good news.  Gas prices could drop below $2.00 a gallon by next year…at least in Tennessee.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in the U.S. has fallen to $2.78, the lowest it’s been since 2010. In Tennessee the average is even lower at $2.57 per gallon of gas and $2.55 at some locations in Crossville

One year ago, AAA said gas was $3.15 for a gallon of gas.

In even more exciting news, we could see an even bigger drop in Tennessee.

The website 24-7 Wall Street is reporting eight states– including Tennessee– will have gas prices below $2 a gallon as early as next year.

24-7 Wall Street Most said the states likely to have lower prices have three things in common: the general drop in oil prices, proximity to large refineries, and low state gas taxes.

With Christmas spending in full swing, economists say the timing couldn’t be better.

“Every penny drop in gas prices is a billion dollars pumped back into the economy in terms of discretionary income. That’s a huge amount of money as we have seen gas prices fall,” said economist Jesse Tron.

Some experts say these low prices could last until at least the middle of next year.