The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.89 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 14 cents more than on this day last week and is two 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 $3.20 per gallon while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.82 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.28, which is 12 cents more when compared to this day last week and one cent less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Rising demand for gasoline and fluctuating crude oil prices continue to force fuel prices up across Texas and many parts of the US. The late December winter storm and its frigid temperatures caused gas prices to spike, with refineries on the gulf coast forced to shut down temporarily. The storm also caused holiday travelers to fuel up and hit the road early to beat the bad weather, leading to a spike in overall gas demand.
“Busy year-end holiday travel and winter weather impacting refinery operations caused gasoline prices to increase over the last week,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Drivers can improve their gas mileage by following proper vehicle maintenance, driving within posted speed limits and choosing the correct grade of gasoline.”
Drivers in Texas are paying the second lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in Hawaii are paying the most at $5.02 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.