Joe Krahn, Lawrence, fills his car up with gas Monday at the Presto Convenience Store at 602 W. Ninth St. Gas prices have dropped recently and several stations now have regular unleaded for under a gallon.

A month ago, it took an average of $3.27 per gallon to fill up your car’s gasoline tank.

But as of Monday, driving got a whole lot cheaper.

Several gasoline stations in town were selling gas for just $1.99 a gallon. It’s the first time since Jan. 31, 2007, that gasoline has been below $2 per gallon in Lawrence, said Jim Hanni, executive vice president of AAA’s Kansas region.

The lower prices caused a bit of excitement at the gas pumps, and some drivers said they’d consider making more trips, now that gas is more affordable.

“Being able to commute is a lot more affordable,” said Shaun Kelly, a landscaper from Topeka. “Just being able to take a trip or go to Kansas City or anything like that, it’s reasonable.

“Before, (you would) have to stay local and not be able to get outside of town.”

Allen Meyer planned to be a bit more practical about his extra travel.

“Maybe I’ll run a few more errands than I’ve been running,” said Allen Meyer, Lawrence. “I’m not going to stay home quite as much now as I have been.”

Hanni said, however, that the lower prices wouldn’t necessarily encourage everyone to get back on the roads.

“That’s not necessarily true because of the general economic picture. Everybody’s really being more cautious,” he said.