Students heading for the gas pumps before leaving town this weekend will find that prices have dropped since last year's spring break.

Gas prices have generally been dropping since the Persian Gulf War, said Tim Considine, associate professor of mineral economics.

But Considine said that during a recession, there is a lower demand for gasoline because consumers do not spend money.

"Typically prices ease up in a recession," he said.

Charles Guyer, manager of Gibson's Sunoco South, 1310 S. Atherton St., said prices have come down 10 cents in the last six weeks.

The recession does not affect prices -- it just reduces sales, Guyer said.

Clair Burke, manager of Sunday's Exxon Service Station, 1200 S. Atherton St., also noted prices have fallen in the last year, adding that prices are relatively stable now with some fluctuation.

"Right now (prices) are fluctuating three-tenths of a cent to one half of a cent," he said. "No drastic increases or decreases."

Burke said the recession affects consumer demand at the pumps.

"I don't think people are traveling as much," he said. "They are more price-conscientious."

Consumers are going for as little as a 2 percent difference in gas prices, he added.

Daniela Carpenetti (junior-art) said prices did not seem as expensive as last year.

"I don't think it makes a big difference because I drive a big car," she said. "It really depends on where you go to get your gas."

Lisa Scidurlo (sophomore-administration of justice) said she does not know if the recession is affecting gas rates, but she likes the prices.

"Oh God, they are so much better now," she said. "I'm on a fixed budget because I don't have a job to go home to."