Gas prices lowest in U.S.

Gasoline prices in Indiana are the lowest in the nation this week, according to the AAA's latest fuel survey.\nThe average price Thursday in a statewide survey was $1.26 for a gallon of unleaded fuel, compared with the national average of $1.42, the automobile association said.\nPrices in Indiana have fallen more than 20 cents per gallon in the past month.\nIn Indianapolis, prices Thursday averaged just under $1.19, more than 7 cents below the statewide average. Prices were as low as $1.10 in some areas of the city, and briefly dropped below $1 on the city's west side as rival filling stations competed for business.\nGas prices have dropped because the immediate threat of war with Iraq has eased, said Greg Seiter, spokesman for the Hoosier Motor Club.\n"The tensions in Iraq had kept crude oil prices higher than usual until about a week-and-a-half ago," Seiter said.\nSeiter was unsure why Indiana's prices are the lowest in the nation. The state usually ranks in the middle of the pack or lower.\nIf holiday tradition holds, prices will increase a bit during the long Thanksgiving weekend, Seiter said.