Gas prices in California have rarely dropped past the $2 threshold, even though the national average is well below $2.

Outpost gas station in Taft changed that this past week as it dropped the price of gas at the station to $1.99.

The owner of the station says his business doubled, and possibly tripled, gas sales in the days following the price drop last Monday.

Two Fastrip stations followed suit a few days later and matched the $1.99 price.

Local residents are mixed on their responses to the price drop.

Residents who have ties to the oil industry said that they would rather pay a higher price so that more workers could keep their jobs.

Other residents were thrilled with the price drop and couldn't remember the last time gas was under $2.