The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.74 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is the same as this day last week and is 15 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in the El Paso area are paying the most on average at $2.88 per gallon while drivers in Laredo are paying the least at $2.58 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.16, which is two cents more when compared to this day last week and six cents less per gallon when compared to this day last year.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.32 million b/d last week to 8.57. Total domestic gasoline supply dropped from 251.1 million barrels to 248.1, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.
"As spring approaches, demand for fuel increases due to more people traveling and refineries are gearing up for the switch to summer blend fuel, a change that typically leads to higher retail gas prices," said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. "Although the Texas gas price average remained stable this week, drivers should be prepared for potential price increases at the pump as the warmer months roll in."
Fuel Saving Tips From AAA
- Tires & maintenance – keep your vehicle in top shape with routine inspections and in between, make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Plan ahead – map your route before you go to minimize unnecessary turnarounds and backtracking. Avoid peak traffic times. Combine errands and go to "one-stop shops” where you can do multiple tasks (banking, shopping, etc.).
- Watch your speed – fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
- Avoid excessive idling – a car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
- Use "fast pass" or “express” toll lanes – avoiding unnecessary stops or slowdowns on the highway helps save fuel.
- Avoid rush hour – take advantage of flex work hours to avoid commuting during peak traffic times.
- Anticipate road conditions – watch the traffic ahead and "time" stoplights to maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary stop and go.
- Regular vs. Premium – if regular gas is recommended for your vehicle, that’s all you need. Opting for premium when your car doesn’t require it will only cost you money and doesn’t improve fuel economy.
- To find the best gas price in your area, use the AAA Mobile App. AAA Members should enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program to save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional fill-up.