The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.15 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is seven cents more than from this day last week and is 97 cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. The last time the Texas statewide gas price average reached $3.15 was in October 2014. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $3.56 per gallon while drivers in Victoria, McAllen, Edinburg, Sherman and Denison are all tied for the least at $3.08 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.48, which is seven cents more when compared to this day last week and $1.00 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration, the U.S. gasoline demand number increased week-to-week by around 11 percent. Weekly regional fuel supply as well as Gulf Coast refinery utilization increased from the week prior. Blustery winter weather and geopolitical tensions are helping to drive the price of oil higher, which is just under $90 per barrel at the time of this report and nearly $30 more than in August. The recent cold weather in the U.S increased the demand for heating oil. Meanwhile, the concern that Russia will react to potential western sanctions by withholding crude oil from the already tight global market puts heavy upward pressure on prices.
“Texas drivers are paying 97 cents more for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, on average, than they were a year ago and about $1.40 more per gallon than two years ago,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “The trend of more expensive fuel is likely going to continue in the short term. Crude oil prices are rising amid growing geopolitical tensions and strengthening demand for crude oil products such as heating oil and motor fuel.”
Drivers in Texas are paying the fourth lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in California are paying the most at $4.68 on average for a gallon over regular unleaded.
AAA Tips to save money on fuel:
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- 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.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
