Massachusetts gas prices down 42 cents in last month

BOSTON - Gas prices in Massachusetts continued a slow and steady decline Monday, dropping to an average $4.47 a gallon, according to AAA.

A week ago, the average was five cents higher at $4.52 a gallon. A month ago, it was $4.89, 42 cents higher.

The average price is down 58 cents from the record high of $5.05 a gallon, set back on June 12.

"We know that most American drivers have made significant changes in their driving habits to cope with high gas prices," AAA spokesperson Mary Maguire said in a statement. "But with fuel prices locally falling every day, it's possible that gas demand could rise."

The national average is down to $4.21 a gallon. A month ago it was $4.84. It has dropped 81 cents since setting a record high of $5.02 on June 14.  California still has the highest prices with an average of $5.61 a gallon

Diesel prices in Massachusetts also continued falling Monday. The average price for a gallon is now $5.57, down 84 cents from the record high of $6.41 set on May 18.