Sharp Drop In Gas Prices Again Promise Cheap Labor Day Travels

And that is promising the cheapest Labor Day weekend for travelers in a decade in the southeast.

Triple A reports the average in Tennessee is $2.16, which is about nine cents cheaper than last week.

But here in Chattanooga, sub-$2 gas is growing common.

"Low gas prices are added incentive for Americans to take a road trip this Labor Day weekend," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Low gasoline prices are an added boost in disposable income, giving travelers more money to spend on lodging, shopping, and dining out."

Last week, the price of oil dropped below $40 a barrel, the lowest since February 2009.

"The price of oil steadily climbed toward the end of the week due to a strengthened U.S. economy. However, analysts expect the oil glut to continue through the rest of the year, preventing any major spikes in oil or gas prices. Motorists will likely continue seeing gas prices move toward $2 or below through the rest of the year," Jenkins said.

GasBuddy.com reports the average price in Chattanooga is now $2 a gallon.

Their lowest prices are $1.85 at the Kangaroo and Murphy USA on Cummings Highway.

Cleveland is seeing some $1.89 gas and Athens, TN has $1.89 prices.