Texas is $3.39 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 18 cents more than on this day last week and is 41 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 $3.84 per gallon while drivers in San Angelo are paying the least at $3.22 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.71, which is 13 cents more when compared to this day last week and 59 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Most Texas metropolitan areas saw healthy gas price average increases week-over-week. The statewide average experienced the largest weekly price jump since the beginning of the year. Gasoline inventories have decreased as demand for fuel remains strong during a busy summer travel season.
Excessive heat has also led to some refineries decreasing production output. In addition, Saudi Arabia’s recent reduction in output is causing crude oil prices to rise. West Texas Intermediate is now $79 per barrel, at the time of this release, which is about $12 more compared to the start of June. Crude oil accounts for approximately 50% of the cost of each gallon of gas. It remains to be seen how long prices will remain elevated compared to averages in early summer. If crude prices continue to increase, retail gas prices will likely follow suit.
“Increasing crude oil prices, decreasing gasoline inventories and strong demand for fuel thanks to a busy summer travel season are forcing retail gas prices even higher,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Price averages are still well below where they were last summer, however if crude oil prices continue to increase, we will see the year-over-year price gap narrow even further.”
AAA Texas Gas 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 seventh lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile, drivers in California are paying the most at $4.94 on average 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.