COLCHESTER, Conn. -- The price of gas in Colchester is plummeting before residents’ eyes.

The cost for regular gas dropped to $1.79 at the Sunoco, Citgo and Phillipa 66 on Tuesday.

Potential customers and new ones, like Linda Hauser, are stopping at the Sunoco, which has led the price drop, to thank the new owner, Abdul, for the break.

“It’s a great thing he started this in Colchester because Colchester's been known for high gas prices,” Hauser said.

The price war began a week ago after Abdul bought the former garage and repair shop and realized he had very few customers

He said he only sold 10 gallons of gas on his first day. He decided to lower his prices, and yesterday, he said, he sold 6,000 gallons.

Though he said it’s costing his about 10 cents per gallon to draw new customers away from the competition, it’s working. He said he knows it’s costing them money, too, with fresh tankers arriving almost daily.

“We'll take any help we can get,” said Tim Casey, of Hebron. “Actually, it’s a good trip to Colchester these days.”

“I can't believe it, it’s like the ‘90s all over again,” said Karen Neal. “I love it. I think it’s great.”