The statewide gas price average in Texas is $3.44 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is five cents less than on this day last week and is two cents more 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 $3.95 per gallon while drivers in McAllen are paying the least at $3.24 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.84, which is three cents less when compared to this day last week and four cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Retail gas price averages declined in 25 out of the 27 largest metropolitan areas spanning the state of Texas this week. The downward trajectory in gas prices can be attributed in part to the recent dip in the price of crude oil, the primary component in gasoline production. Specifically, West Texas Intermediate crude has experienced a decline of approximately $3 per barrel in comparison to the preceding week. Should this trend persist, it could spell favorable news for individuals embarking on road trips during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
The ongoing hurricane season remains a significant variable that could potentially disrupt the current trajectory of gas price averages. If tropical storms were to impact oil and gas operations along the Gulf Coast, a brief but notable spike in pump prices could occur.
“Gas price averages are down week-to-week in most Texas cities,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “Labor Day is around the corner and more people are expected to travel compared to last year. AAA Travel bookings are 4 percent higher compared to Labor Day 2022. If there’s a large bump in demand, that could cause price fluctuations at the pump as the holiday weekend nears.”
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 $5.26 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