The AAA said there has been a dramatic drop in gasoline prices in Connecticut in recent days; prices are lower than they were a year ago at this time. The motor club says that, as of Monday, a gallon of self-serve, regular gasoline is $2.74 — 18 cents lower than last week, 96 cents lower than last month and 21 cents lower than last year. On the national level, average gas prices dropped to $2.67. That is $1 lower than last month and 18 cents lower than last year. Connecticut used to have some of the highest gas prices in the country, but it now ranks 18th.