The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.12 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is one cent less than on this day last week and is $1.17 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 $3.33 per gallon while drivers in San Angelo are paying the least at $3.00 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.57, which is the same when compared to this day last week and $1.10 less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
In many areas, gas price averages continue to reflect slightly cheaper crude oil prices over the past few weeks. While demand figures are expected to have been strong over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the outlook for crude oil prices has been unclear. That uncertainty is tied to the U.S. debt ceiling talks, rising interest rates as well as inflation worries. Also, weighing on crude oil prices, according to market watchers, are unclear demand outlooks for fuel in China.
“It was a very busy kickoff to the summer driving season as AAA Texas predicted travel volumes would be the second highest in the Lone Star State since AAA began keeping track in 2000,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Joshua Zuber. “As many more plan to travel this summer, it is important to take the time to maintain your vehicle before hitting the road to prevent unnecessary car trouble and improve your fuel economy.”
Drivers in Texas are paying the second lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in California are paying the most at $4.87 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.