Prices at Vicksburg pumps tumbled over the Memorial Day weekend by a dime a gallon or more — perhaps making fuel here the least expensive in America.

No confirmation could be found, but the cause might be price-matching with a Murphy Express outlet that opened last week on Pemberton Square Boulevard at U.S. 61 South.

This morning, regular unleaded was $2.08 at stations on Vicksburg’s most-traveled thoroughfares. Vicksburg two newest stations, at Kroger and Murphy Express, were reported the lowest this morning, at $2.05 and $2.07 respectively.

Nationally, AAA was reporting an average price of $2.42. Statewide and in Jackson — which in the past has beaten Vicksburg gas prices by 25 cents or more — stood at $2.29.

The trend — no one could say how long it will last — goes against the grain of slowly rising gas prices nationwide, which have followed an increase of more than 80 percent in crude oil prices on the commodities market since February.

Fuel at stations located at Kangaroo-branded convenience stores sold for about $2.08. Spot-market purchasers, or those who buy fuel daily to supply their stores, sold for about $2.09.

Crude oil traded for $61.32 this morning, down 35 cents from Friday’s close but still tracking upward since earlier in the year when gasoline prices dipped below $2 a gallon in some regions. In Vicksburg, prices bottomed out around $1.79 during the first quarter and rose to $2.20 or higher earlier this month before this weekend’s dip.

Wholesale gas prices on a New York commodities exchange were down 2 cents this morning to $1.81.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com