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Motorists Celebrate As Some Stations Sell Gas For Under $2 A Gallon

(CBS) -- You've probably noticed by now that gas has fallen to its lowest price in almost a decade. Drivers are now asking themselves how long will it last?

The national average for a gallon of unleaded gas is $2.31. The average price in Illinois is even cheaper at $2.29. Drivers are paying $2.72 for a gallon of gas in Chicago and in the suburbs, the average price is $2.41.

CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports that price is dropping quickly. At the Amstar gas station in Lombard, regular gas was selling for $1.89 a gallon on Saturday.

"This is huge that we are filling up for $36.00 as opposed to $70 or $80, which is what it normally costs me to fill up, so, I'm excited," said Jennifer Theissing.

"I thought it would be like $2.20 and that would be a bargain, but this is great," said Jim Scavo.

Gas station manager Salabat Mir says he's happy customers are saving money.

"The prices are low as compared to what we had last year, or two, three years before, so we do not have a lot of margin, profit margin in that, but we can keep that level," Mir said.

That low profit margin has customers smiling, while some are cautiously optimistic.

"I've never seen it below two bucks," said customer Savas Mavridis. "It's ridiculous. I mean it kind of scares me. Last time we saw it get down this low, is right before the crash, but I'm okay with it. My wallet is liking it."

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