The statewide gas price average in Texas is $1.66 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is two cents more than on this day last week and is 81 cents 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 $1.89 while drivers in Lubbock are paying the least at $1.57 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $1.99, which is two cents more compared to this day last week and 81 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Drivers in Texas are paying more at the pump as the price for crude oil and demand for retail gasoline rise. The Lone Star state is still enjoying some of the cheapest prices in the country, coming in at number two according to today’s AAA gas price trend index. The national average has been under $2 per gallon since the beginning of April but will likely go above the $2 threshold in the coming days.
“Texas has the second lowest statewide gas price average in the country, however pump prices continue an upward trajectory with more people driving and crude oil prices rising,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Even as gas prices increase, they remain far less expensive than last year.”
U.S. Gasoline demand increased to around 7.6 million barrels per day, according to the latest report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That’s up from the nearly 7.3 million barrels per day the week prior. The EIA also reports refinery utilization is up to 76% in the Gulf Coast region last week from 75% the week prior. At the national level, refinery utilization is up slightly week-over-week registering at 72%.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices poste d 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.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 additional news from AAA Texas in our online newsroom at http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/.
