AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Decreases Four Cents This Week

(Coppell, TX) – The statewide gas price average in Texas is now $1.96 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents less than last week and 49 cents less per gallon than last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in the Lone Star State, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $2.09 per gallon while drivers in Amarillo are paying the least at $1.86 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $2.12 which is two cents less than last week and 52 cents less per gallon than last year.

Gas prices across most of the country continue to slide during the peak road-trip season due to abundant supplies. As of earlier this week, more than 40 percent of gas stations nationwide were selling gasoline for $2.00 per gallon or less, compared to just a handful at this same time last year. Fewer than one percent of stations nationwide are selling gasoline for more than $3.00 per gallon, compared to 13 percent of stations one year ago. With gasoline supplies high and oil prices low, pump prices are likely to remain relatively cheap through the remainder of the summer and into the fall.

Despite the lowest seasonal prices in more than a decade, unexpected events could trigger higher prices. Rising crude oil costs due to a disruption in supply, stronger than expected economic growth or geopolitical tensions overseas could lead to higher pump prices nationwide, or regional prices could increase due to refinery problems, production cuts, stronger than anticipated demand, or hurricanes that impact distribution and production, which has happened in several Midwestern states over the past week.

“As the U.S. Park Service is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary this August, low gas prices continue to be available during peak road-trip season. A recent AAA travel survey found that 91 percent of visitors to national parks drive to their destination,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “AAA Texas auto travel counselors and travel agents can assist families to plan a memorable and budget friendly road trip to see one of the nation’s parks before the end of the summer.”

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA Mobile 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/mobile.com.

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. Find more information at the AAA Texas newsroom at: http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/