Jan. 25. Gas prices around Cornelius dropped to less than $2 a gallon during the past couple of days, mirroring a nationwide trend. The lowest price we found was $1.98 at the Sunoco station on Catawba Avenue just east of I-77, adjacent to Smithville Park. For the first time since 2009, most of the U.S. has gasoline prices under $2, reflecting crude prices under $50 a barrel. Bankrate.com, a finance and economics website, says prices may fall even lower this year.