When did gas top $3?

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/RYAN MCGEENEY --03-22-2012-- Bill Bailey of Springdale fills the gas tank of a car from the dealership owned by he and his wife Thursday afternoon at the Casey's General Store at the intersection of Don Tyson Parkway and Old Missouri Road in Springdale. Bailey, who said he has lived in the area for 70 years, said this was the highest he could recall seeing gas prices in Northwest Arkansas, although he had recently paid as much as $4.35/gal. while visiting Sacramento, Calif.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/RYAN MCGEENEY --03-22-2012-- Bill Bailey of Springdale fills the gas tank of a car from the dealership owned by he and his wife Thursday afternoon at the Casey's General Store at the intersection of Don Tyson Parkway and Old Missouri Road in Springdale. Bailey, who said he has lived in the area for 70 years, said this was the highest he could recall seeing gas prices in Northwest Arkansas, although he had recently paid as much as $4.35/gal. while visiting Sacramento, Calif.

With gas prices edging up in Arkansas, it is difficult to remember a time when motorists weren't paying more than $3 a gallon at the pump.

Here's a look at some milestones in the price of gasoline. Price is the nationwide average for a gallon of unleaded regular.

FIRSTS:

September 1979: First monthly average above $1.

May 19, 2004: Tops $2 for first time.

Sept. 3, 2005: Tops $3 for first time.

June 8 to July 25, 2008: Only period above $4.

1980: Top $1 for a full year ($1.25).

2005: Tops $2 for a full year ($2.30).

2008: Tops $3 for a full year ($3.27).

LASTS:

March 1999: Last month below $1.

March 25, 2009: Last day below $2.

Dec. 22, 2010: Last day below $3.

TODAY:

March 27, 2012: $3.90.

10 YEARS AGO:

March 27, 2002: $1.35.

Sources: Energy Information Agency, Oil Price Information Service.

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