CHARLOTTE (AP) — Motorists across the Carolinas are heading out on the highway this summer with gas prices the lowest they have been in July in a dozen years.

AAA Carolinas reports that South Carolina has the lowest gas prices in the nation with an average price of about $1.86 a gallon. The motor club says most gas stations in the state are selling gas for less than $2 a gallon.

In North Carolina the average price is $2.05 a gallon — the difference is the higher state gasoline tax in North Carolina.

Gas prices in both states are down about 16 cents a gallon from a year ago.

Gas prices nationwide are falling thanks to abundant supplies and the declining cost of crude oil.