Gasoline prices in Rhode Island dropped three cents this week, the fifth straight week of decreases, according to AAA Northeast.

AAA Northeast’s July 3 survey of prices in Rhode Island finds self-serve, regular unleaded averaging $2.24 per gallon. Rhode Island’s price is one cent higher than the national average of $2.23. A year ago at this time, the average price in Rhode Island was three cents higher at $2.27 per gallon.

“The combination of tepid demand and increased gasoline and crude oil output continues to put downward pressure on gas prices,” said Lloyd Albert, Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “While holiday gasoline demand is likely to reach new highs, it will probably not be enough to cause a significant increase on the price of gasoline in the coming week.”

The range in prices in the latest AAA survey for unleaded regular is 40 cents, from a low of $2.09 to a high of $2.49. AAA advises motorists to shop around for the best prices in their area, and to make sure they and their passengers buckle up — every time.