The drudgery of holiday travel has lessened for motorists as gas prices have fallen below $2 at some La Plata County fueling stations.

Several gas pumps on north Main Avenue are touting prices as low as $1.98, including at Peerless Tyre Co, where Bobby of Durango, who declined to disclose his last name, professed his enthusiasm with a thumbs up.

“Five gallons for $10, I’ll take that,” he said as he filled his Isuzu Rodeo. “It’s great for my motorcycle, too. It takes 4 gallons, and I’ve paid $20 to fill it before. I’d rather fill it for $8.”

According to AAA, locals were paying an average $3.47 per gallon of unleaded fuel one year ago. That’s a stark contrast to $2.06, which is the highest price per gallon charged at a Durango gas station as of Tuesday, according to Gasbuddy.com.

Falling prices are widespread across the nation as crude oil prices remain low; the national average has fallen to just under $2, and AAA reports drivers in the U.S. paid the lowest averages over the Christmas holiday since 2009.

The state of Colorado is seeing a similar six-year low for this time of year, AAA Colorado spokesperson Wave Dreher said.

Vick Smith said he’s in Durango for the holidays, and prefers the $1.99 he paid at Conoco on north Main Avenue over the $3 per gallon he’s paying at home in California, where gas prices are seeing a rise in contrast to the rest of the country.

Customers fueling up in town on Tuesday said when fuel prices inflate, it’s more than just a petty annoyance and can impact business and travel decisions.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Alix Rowland, filling the tank of her Toyota Tundra for $1.98 per gallon at the Everyday gas station at East College Drive and East Eighth Avenue. Rowland lives 30 minutes outside of town, and that, paired with the fact her only vehicle, the Tundra, is a gas guzzler, makes the drop in prices that much more welcome.

“Some people’s jobs are affected by this, but overall, it’s great,” she said.

jpace@durangoherald.com