Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Gas prices are continuing its downward trend as the average price for gas is 10 cents lower this week compared with last week's average, according to AAA East Central's Gas Price Report.

This week, the current price for gas is $3.407 compared with last week's $3.502 and last year's $4.812 during the same time period. According to AAA East Central, the biggest factor contributing to this downward trend is a drop in oil prices.

The national average for oil is a penny lower than a month ago and a $1.29 less than a year ago.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that total domestic crude inventories increased significantly by 4.5 million barrels to 459.7 million last week.

However, new data from the administration shows gas demand has decreased from 9.43 to 9.1 million barrels per day last week. As a result, the lower demand has helped cap increases in pump prices.

Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks dropped slightly to 216.1 million barrels, according to the EIA's report.