The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.77 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is eight cents less than on this day last week and is $1.18 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 $3.90 per gallon while drivers in Amarillo are paying the least at $3.52 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.15, which is seven cents less when compared to this day last week and $1.28 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Retail gas and global crude oil prices have been sinking on the news of a coordinated release from strategic petroleum reserves. The additional 120 million barrels of oil are set to come from the International Energy Agency. 60 million of those barrels from the IEA’s release are in conjunction with the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve release of 180 million barrels over the next six months.
“The latest round of headlines about oil reserve releases have been driving retail gas and crude oil prices down,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Gasoline demand also hasn’t been as strong over the past few weeks, but that will likely change as we move closer to the summer driving season.”
AAA Tips to save money on fuel:
Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. Adopting new and improved driving behaviors can contribute to significant savings at the gas pump. Here are some simple ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency:
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level. Discount Tire, for example, offers free air checks at their shops.
- When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
Drivers in Texas are paying the 7th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in California are paying the most at $5.81 on average for a gallon over regular unleaded.
