Gasoline prices in Selma and Dallas County began to drop Tuesday, just as in other parts of the nation.

This is the 17th week retail gasoline prices have fallen since July 4. The price of crude fell again, hitting a 20-month low.

The national average hovered around $2.22 a gallon because of the drop in the price of crude, which is 60 percent less per barrel than in mid-July.

AAA Alabama estimates most people paid $49.49 to fuel a vehicle with a 15 gallon tank last month. The average cost on Tuesday — $32.94.

Lowell Butts of Crossroads Exxon on U.S. Highway 80 West lowered his prices for regular grade gasoline from $2.28 a gallon to $2.18 by lunchtime Tuesday.

“They’re falling all the time. They’re dropping,” Butts said. “I think the customers have gotten used to paying the high prices. The price of merchandise inside has gone up due to fuel going up.”

At United Food & Fuel, 409, U.S. 80 West, the price read $2.09. “We drop daily sometimes,” said Lelia Jones, the assistant manager. “We could be down to $1.09 right now, and if someone we’re competing with drops down, we’ll drop down, too. It’s going to have a great impact if the price continues to drop.”

AAA reported the Citgo, 409 U.S. 80 East, and the Conoco, 1900 West Dallas Ave., with the lowest area price at $2.099 for regular. The Conoco, 2301 Broad St., followed with $2.119 and Raceway, 207 Highland, priced regular at $2.129.

“I think we’ve got a long way to go,” Butts said. “We need it to last longer before people start feeling it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.