The cost of a gallon of gas was at its lowest level in Minnesota in 12 years at $1.44 per gallon Monday, according to AAA.

Albert Lea gas prices fall within range of the average, and local residents are enjoying the low prices.

Resident Gene Weckwerth said he thought he would never see gas prices this low and is thankful for the effects the low gas prices have had on him.

Weckwerth said the gas prices are helping him to travel more and see his children who are across the country in Florida; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Las Vegas.

Weckwerth said the low cost of gas has allowed him to fill his tank twice for what he used to be able to fill once.

Another resident, Robyn Sailor, said she loves the low gas prices and is able to do more traveling in her position as a health and wellness coach through Yoli Better Body Systems.

She expressed appreciation for being able to take her grandchildren more places and being able to warm up her car for a longer period of time.

AAA Public Affairs Specialist Mark Peterson said while he expects gas prices to increase during the spring and summer, the low gas prices will remain relatively low for a longer period of time this year because of what he cited as an unusually large inventory of domestic crude oil and gasoline.

Peterson said there are good and bad things about the lower gas prices. He said while more people are traveling, there are more unemployed workers in the gas industry, and, according to him, with increased travel has come an increase in injury crashes.