Average retail gasoline prices in Atlanta have fallen 0.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.14/gal yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 2,134 gas outlets in Atlanta. This compares with the national average that has not moved in the last week to $3.24/gal, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Atlanta during the past week, prices yesterday were 4.9 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 11.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 19.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 1.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"With just hours to go before Christmas, it appears that the national average may set a new all-time record high, barely edging out 2011 as the most expensive average for gasoline on Christmas Day," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "The bad news likely won't stop there- gasoline prices in six out of the last seven years have increased between Christmas Day and Jan. 15 of the following year. If the national average rises to at least $3.26/gal before New Year's Day it will mark the highest start for gas prices ever on the first day of the year," DeHaan said.