The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.70 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is seven cents less than on this day last week and is $1.13 more per gallon compared to this day last year. It is also 31 cents less than the record price of $4.01 per gallon, which was set last month. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in the Bryan/College Station area are paying the most on average at $3.84 per gallon while drivers in Amarillo are paying the least at $3.46 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.07, which is eight cents less when compared to this day last week and $1.21 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Easing crude oil supply concerns have been driving down retail gasoline prices recently. Last week the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 31 member countries announced plans to release 120 million barrels of crude oil from their emergency oil stockpiles. The amount includes a previously announced 60 million barrels of oil from the U.S. It would be the second coordinated release in just over a month in response to spiking oil prices after Russia invaded Ukraine. While the IEA said more details about the release would become available soon, including the release timeline, the announcement has helped ease some supply concerns, pushing crude prices lower compared to where they were just weeks ago.
“While crude oil prices are back above $100 a barrel, gasoline prices continue to fall from the record highs we had just one month ago,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Retail gasoline and crude oil prices will still be volatile with Russia’s war in Ukraine ongoing along with the start of the busy summer driving season just six weeks away.”
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 sixth lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in California are paying the most at $5.72 on average for a gallon over 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.