BOSTON - Gas prices in Massachusetts remained well below the national average Monday and even dropped a penny in the last week.

The average price for a gallon of gas in Massachusetts is now $3.59, down slightly from $3.60 a week ago, according to AAA.

The national average is now $3.79 a gallon. California has the highest average price in the nation at $5.75 a gallon.

"Global recession fears coupled with the Biden Administration's plan to continue tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve into December has helped temper oil prices," AAA's Mary Maguire said in a statement Monday. "This will help take the pressure off pump prices, benefitting drivers and their wallets."

The record high for Massachusetts was $5.05, set back on June 12.