By Alan Fein

(AXcess News) New York - While stocks took a pounding last week and gold prices right along with equities fell, consumers had something to smile about as the nation's average price for a gallon of gasoline dropped nearly 6 cents at the pump.

Gasoline futures finished the week's trading session up 1.8 cents, or 0.96%, at 190.45.

Crude oil futures in New York gained 68 cents, or 0.96%, to close at $71.87.

But the big hurrah came at the pump for many Americans this last week as gasoline prices fell.

AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline on Sunday was $2.657, compared to $2.725 a month ago.

Lundberg's national survey of gas stations showed that in the last two weeks the average price of regular gasoline has dropped 5.76 cents nationwide.

Wyoming drivers got the biggest break.  In Chyenne, the average drivers were paying at the pump was $2.38.

New Yorkers were paying $2.83 Sunday.

Knoxville, TN drivers saw gasoline prices as low as $2.54 in the Volunteer town - home of the Vols at UT.  A week ago, gas prices were $2.59 per gallon.

In Houston, gasoline prices were flat for the week, holding at $2.53 per gallon.  Perhaps Lundberg overlooked that market?