At $2.18, the national gas price average is at the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016, according to a release issued Monday by AAA Tidewater.

That average is the same as a week ago, four cents cheaper than the start of this past September and nearly 50 cents cheaper than last year. The national average held on the week as demand was mostly stable at 8.5 million barrels per day despite gasoline stocks increasing by 700,000 barrels.

“Demand is likely to see some declines in the weeks ahead as drivers traditionally take fewer road trips in the fall,” said AAA spokesperson Holly Dalby. “That will mean gas prices are likely to push cheaper throughout the month.”

On the week, 41 state gas price averages fluctuated by no more than two cents. Of those, 38 states saw only a penny increase or decrease.

In Virginia, the current pump price continued to hold steady for the third week at $2.08, which is down from $2.11 at the beginning of September. In Hampton Roads, pric...