LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County decreased Thursday for the 44th consecutive day since rising to a record, dropping 2.9 cents to $5.699, its lowest amount since March 9.

The average price has dropped 76.3 cents over the past 44 days, including 2.5 cents Wednesday, following an 18-day streak of increases totaling 36.9 cents, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.

The average price is 17.4 cents less than one week ago and 64.4 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.341 more than one year ago. It has dropped 76.3 cents since rising to a record $6.462 June 14.

The Orange County average price also decreased for the 44th consecutive day, dropping 3.5 cents to $5.604, its lowest amount since March 8. It has decreased 80.4 cents over the past 44 days, including 2.6 cents Wednesday. The run of dropping prices follows a 17-day streak of increases totaling 35.1 cents.

The Orange County average price is 16.8 cents less than one week ago and 65.5 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.276 more than one year ago. It has dropped 80.6 cents since rising to a record $6.41 June 12.

The national average price dropped for the 44th consecutive day following an 18-day streak of increases, decreasing 2.4 cents to $4.278. It has dropped 73.8 cents over the past 44 days, including 2.5 cents Wednesday, after rising 41.5 cents during the 18-day streak of increases.

The national average price is 16.2 cents less than one week ago and 60.3 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.117 more than one year ago. It has dropped 73.8 cents since rising to a record $5.016 June 14.