The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.91 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is two cents less than from this day last week and is $1.01 more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in Midland and Odessa are paying the most on average at $3.08 per gallon while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.71 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.32, which is two cents less when compared to this day last week and $1.13 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration for the week ending December 10, the U.S. gasoline demand number increased week-to-week by around six percent and remains elevated from this time last year. Weekly regional fuel supply numbers fell slightly, and Gulf Coast refinery utilization registered up from the week prior. Concerns of a possible COVID-19 global economic slowdown have kept crude oil prices from moving past around $70 per barrel recently, but that trend has now changed as markets appear less concerned than in weeks prior.
“Pump prices continue their slow seasonal descent, despite a slight rebound in oil prices due to waning fears of a global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 omicron variant,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Gas prices may start to steady, or even trend higher, if demand remains strong. However, Texas has the lowest gas prices in the country, which should bring some holiday cheer to the millions of Lone Star State motorists planning to take a road trip next week.”
Demand for gasoline should be higher than last year as AAA Texas forecasts a near pre-pandemic recovery for the year-end holiday travel season which begins next week.
Drivers in Texas are paying the lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, California drivers are paying the highest gas prices at an average of $4.67 a gallon for 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.
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.