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AAA Texas: Gas Prices Still Going Up; Statewide Average Now $2.58/Gallon

Coppell, TX
hand at gas pump

The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents more than this day last week and is six cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in Midland are paying the most on average at $2.76 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.45 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.84, which is six cents more than this day last week and 10 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

Drivers are seeing prices increase as gasoline stocks decrease substantially, amid summer-like demand readings. Gas prices are unseasonably high in many parts of the United States. Around Texas, the Abilene area saw the largest weekly jump where drivers are paying 11 cents more for a gallon of regular unleaded gas. The last time Texas drivers paid $2.58 per gallon was in October 2018.

“Demand for gasoline is reaching summertime levels, causing supply levels to drop and prices to increase,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “While prices continue to increase in the Lone Star State, Texas still has the 6th lowest gas price average of any state across the country.”

AAA Texas is recommending strategies that drivers can use to conserve gas right now and reduce annual fuel use by up to 50 percent.

Driving style and vehicle operation recommendations include:

  • Optimizing your daily driving.  Maintain steady speeds. A car uses extra fuel accelerating.  Cruise control may be a fuel saving option for motorists who drive a lot because a steady speed conserves fuel.  This is helpful when driving on level roads.  However, cruise control hurts mileage if you drive on hilly terrain. 
  • Minimizing last-minute braking. Anticipate traffic conditions. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights and coast up to them, if possible. Drive smoothly, avoiding “jackrabbit starts.” The faster you drive, the more fuel used. Remember, however, that traveling slower than traffic flow can cause a safety hazard.
  • Making sure you’re shopping around.  Looking for low gasoline prices in their local communities may save motorists money. Consumers can easily shop around online or on a mobile device by using the free AAA app, which automatically displays the lowest gas price near the user on the home screen.  Traveling long distances to save a few cents wastes fuel and may cost motorists more money.
  • Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk.  Reducing extra weight can save up to 2% fuel economy for every 100 lbs. removed depending on the weight of the vehicle. Also lose the roof rack, if not used regularly. Carrying things on a roof rack increases aerodynamic drag and reduces fuel economy – year-round.
  • Using the air conditioner only when necessary. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent or more in an older model vehicle. The rule of thumb on hot days is to open your windows when you are driving slowly (under about 45 mph) but close them and turn on the air conditioner at higher freeway speeds. Driving with the windows open can increase the aerodynamic drag, and this effect increases proportionately with speed. 

 

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.

To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas. Find additional news from AAA Texas in our online newsroom at http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/.

Area

04/18/2019

Week Ago

Week Ago Difference

Year Ago

Year Ago Difference

Date

Record Price

National

$2.84

$2.78

+0.06

$2.74

+0.10

07/17/08

$4.11

Texas

$2.58

$2.54

+0.04

$2.52

+0.06

07/17/08

$3.98

Abilene

$2.68

$2.57

+0.11

$2.59

+0.09

   

Amarillo

$2.53

$2.48

+0.05

$2.48

+0.05

07/15/08

$4.01

Austin-San Marcos

$2.49

$2.46

+0.03

$2.48

+0.01

07/17/08

$3.97

Beaumont-Port Arthur

$2.53

$2.48

+0.05

$2.47

+0.06

07/16/08

$4.00

Brownsville-Harlingen

$2.49

$2.47

+0.02

$2.47

+0.02

   

College Station-Bryan

$2.57

$2.52

+0.05

$2.52

+0.05

   

Corpus Christi

$2.50

$2.49

+0.01

$2.44

+0.06

07/15/08

$3.96

Dallas

$2.64

$2.63

+0.01

$2.57

+0.07

07/16/08

$3.98

El Paso

$2.59

$2.59

0

$2.71

-0.12

07/17/08

$3.97

Fort Worth-Arlington

$2.63

$2.62

+0.01

$2.57

+0.06

07/16/08

$3.97

Galveston-Texas City

$2.60

$2.55

+0.05

$2.53

+0.07

07/14/08

$3.97

Houston

$2.60

$2.55

+0.05

$2.53

+0.07

07/17/08

$3.96

Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood

$2.50

$2.46

+0.04

$2.47

+0.03

   

Laredo

$2.51

$2.47

+0.04

$2.43

+0.08

   

Longview

$2.52

$2.48

+0.04

$2.50

+0.02

   

Lubbock

$2.54

$2.50

+0.04

$2.48

+0.06

   

McAllen

$2.49

$2.48

+0.01

$2.47

+0.02

   

Midland

$2.76

$2.70

+0.06

$2.71

+0.05

   

Odessa

$2.73

$2.69

+0.04

$2.69

+0.04

   

San Angelo

$2.55

$2.54

+0.01

$2.46

+0.09

   

San Antonio

$2.45

$2.39

+0.06

$2.41

+0.04

07/16/08

$3.96

Sherman-Denison

$2.56

$2.53

+0.03

$2.37

+0.19

   

Texarkana

$2.52

$2.47

+0.05

$2.46

+0.06

07/16/08

$3.98

Tyler

$2.47

$2.43

+0.04

$2.47

0

   

Victoria

$2.50

$2.48

+0.02

$2.46

+0.04

   

Waco

$2.49

$2.47

+0.02

$2.47

+0.02

   

Wichita Falls

$2.55

$2.49

+0.06

$2.46

+0.09

   

 

Media Contacts

Daniel Armbruster
Media & Corporate Spokesperson , AAA Texas (DFW Based)
512-564-3141
armbruster.daniel@ace.aaa.com
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © AAA Texas, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
AAA Texas is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the state of Texas (with the exception of Texarkana).