The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.62 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is three cents less than on this day last week and is 27 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $2.90 per gallon while drivers in McAllen are paying the least at $2.41 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.10, which is nine cents less when compared to this day last week and 20 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
The statewide average fell for the tenth week in a row even as crude oil prices have increased. Texas remains the cheapest place in the country to buy regular unleaded fuel. With higher crude oil prices, falling pump prices may soon reverse direction. And with the third busiest end-of-year holiday travel period ahead, more demand for fuel could cause price fluctuations in some areas. However it’s possible bitter cold and blizzard conditions in parts of the country could put a dent on demand, analysts suggest. In the meantime, relatively cheaper gas prices are good news for those 8.3 million Texans expected to drive to their year-end holiday destinations, according to AAA Texas.
“Falling gas prices may incentivize even more people than anticipated to make a last-minute decision to travel,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “AAA recommends drivers assess the weather along their route before heading out and that their vehicle is well-maintained with a well-stocked emergency roadside kit.”
Drivers in Texas are paying the lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in Hawaii are paying the most at $5.10 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA App for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route and learn traffic conditions along that route, find discounts, locate parking, book a hotel and request and track AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/mobile.