Vancouver's average gasoline price its lowest since February 2004

Gasoline prices are now at a five-year low in the Vancouver-Portland metropolitan region.

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Vancouver was $1.80 this week, down from $1.98 a month ago and $3.12 a year ago, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho. Vancouver-Clark County saw gasoline prices peak at $4.35 on June 28.

"Drivers are ending 2008 with the lowest gas prices of nearly five years," said Marie Dodds, AAA spokesperson in Portland. "Alaska and Hawaii are the only states still reporting prices above $2 a gallon."

The national average, at $1.61, hasn't been this low since January 2004.