Newport gas stations have consistently led the pack statewide with the cheapest gasoline around. Today was no exception.

The Irving and Valero stations started selling gas this afternoon at $2.59 a gallon -- the cheapest in the state, tied with stations in Mexico and Rumford, according to the Web site MaineGasPrices.com.

Patterson's Store in Burnham is also offering among the cheapest gas around central Maine: $2.61 a gallon this morning.

The average price of gas in Maine this morning is $2.83 a gallon, according to the Web site. A month ago, the average price was $3.64; a year ago, it was $2.81.