Budget, snow do little to curb gasoline price decline WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Despite a government deadlock and an early winter storm, motor group AAA reported gasoline prices Monday in the United States declined. Democrats and Republicans blamed the other for failing to negotiate a deal that would end a government shutdown, which enters its second week Tuesday. The imbroglio left little impact on gasoline prices, however, which continued a trend set in September. AAA said Monday the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.34, 5 cents lower than the same time last week and 23 cents lower than a month ago. Gasoline prices for the nation were higher in the Central Plains and West Coast states. Montana reported an average price of $3.55. Parts of the state recorded more than three feet of snow in an early season storm, The National Weather Service reported. Monday marked the 1,020th consecutive day the national average price for gasoline was more than $3 per gallon.