SAN DIEGO – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County decreased for the 42nd consecutive day today, having fallen 65.5 cents since hitting a record high more than eight weeks ago, according to the Oil Price Information Service.

Today's average of $3.975 is seven-tenths of a cent lower than Sunday and 48.3 cents lower than at this time last month but $1.098 higher than at this time last year.

The average fell below $4 for the first time since May 21 on Saturday when it hit $3.999. A record high of $4.63 was reached on June 19.

The declining prices stem from lower demand at the pump and declining crude oil prices, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.