The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.26 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is the same as on this day last week and is four cents less 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 $2.41 while drivers in Tyler and Victoria are paying the least at $2.16 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.59, which is two cents less compared to this day last week and one cent less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
An increase in gasoline stocks amid rising demand helped to keep prices in most Texas cities from increasing week-to-week. However, AAA forecasts that 3.8 million Texans, the most since 2005, will drive 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving. With an increase in automobile travel volume, demand for retail gasoline will likely rise and that could cause pump prices to fluctuate through the remainder of the month.
“AAA anticipates the second-highest automobile travel volume on record for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period, which will likely cause demand for retail gasoline to increase,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “If demand continues to rise, price fluctuations are possible through the end of November.”
Regional refinery utilization jumped to 89.7% according to the Energy Information Administration’s latest data. That is the highest rate for any region in the country. With the increase in utilization, gasoline stocks increased to 78.5 million. This combination helped to stave off price increases for many Texas cities, this week.
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 atwww.AAA.com/mobile.
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 atAAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visitingwww.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook:www.facebook.com/AAATexas.Find additional news from AAA Texas in our online newsroom athttp://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/.
