Gas prices in Rhode Island have dropped by three cents this week.

AAA Northeast said Monday that the price of self-serve, regular gasoline is averaging $2.24 per gallon. That's one cent higher than the national average of $2.23.

It was the fifth straight week that the state average has decreased. The state was averaging $2.27 per gallon a year ago at this time.

AAA found self-serve, regular selling for as low as $2.09 and as high as $2.49 per gallon.

AAA says the Fourth of July holiday will likely increase demand for gasoline but not enough to cause a significant price increase.