BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Auto industry observers say North Dakota motorists are paying the lowest price for gas in more than two years.

AAA says the last time the statewide average was lower than Monday’s average of $2.16 was Dec. 21, 2016.

Gas prices are down 74 cents since last October as the price of oil plummeted 40 percent during the final quarter of 2018. But, relief at the pump may be short-lived.

Oil has seen a slow, but steady increase since the beginning of the year. AAA says the national average for gas increased a penny last week, the first increase since October.