LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County dropped Thursday for the 30th consecutive day and 31st time in the past 32 days, falling 3.6 cents to $6.06, its lowest amount since May 16.

The average price has dropped 40 cents over the past 32 days, including 2.7 cents Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The run of dropping prices follows an 18-day streak of increases totaling 36.9 cents.

The average price is 17.6 cents less than one week ago and 40.2 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.721 more than one year ago.

The Orange County average price also decreased for the 30th consecutive day and 31st time in 32 days, dropping 4.1 cents to $5.949, its lowest amount since May 14. It has decreased 46.1 cents over the past 32 days, including 4 cents Wednesday. The run of dropping prices follows a 17-day streak of increases totaling 35.1 cents.

The Orange County average price is 19.2 cents less than one week ago and 45.9 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.648 more than one year ago.

“Usually, more people buying gas would lead to higher pump prices,” said Andrew Gross, an AAA national public relations manager. “But the price for oil, the main ingredient in gasoline, has fallen and is hovering around $100 a barrel. Less expensive oil usually means less expensive gas.”

The national average price dropped for the 30th consecutive day following an 18-day streak of increases, decreasing 2.6 cents to $4.605. It has dropped 41.1 cents over the past 30 days, after rising 41.5 cents during the 18- day streak of increases.

The national average price is 14.7 cents less than one week ago and 41.1 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.458 more than one year ago.