The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.21 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 77 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 $3.47 per gallon while drivers in San Angelo are paying the least at $2.95 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.58, which is three cents more when compared to this day last week and 89 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices continue to remain around $75 per barrel, which is about $8 more per barrel compared to the start of June. With more expensive crude and the fact that July is one of the most popular times of year for road trips, it’s not surprising to see fuel prices in most areas of Texas and the U.S. are continuing to climb. Still prices for crude and retail gasoline remain much lower than where they were sitting one year ago. In July 2022, crude oil was at $98 per barrel and the statewide gas price average in Texas was nearly $4 per gallon for regular unleaded. If crude oil prices remain higher and demand for fuel remains strong, it’s possible that retail gas prices could increase even more in the days to come.
“Texas gas prices are inching up again this week thanks to strong summer demand and crude oil prices that are now about $8 more per barrel compared to early June,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “AAA studies have repeatedly shown that driver behavior is the number one factor when it comes to fuel consumption. To save on gas drivers should avoid jack rabbit starts and hard accelerations, use cruise control when it’s safe to do so and keep tires properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.”
AAA Texas Fuel Saving Tips
- If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. AAA’s Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speed increases. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
- Remove unnecessary and heavy items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
Drivers in Texas are paying the sixth lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in Washington are paying the most at $4.93 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