The following is a news release from AAA Texas:

The statewide gas price average in Texas is $1.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is six cents more than this day last week and is 34 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 $2.45 while drivers in Lubbock are paying the least at $1.90 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.27, which is three cents more than this day last week and 29 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

For a second-straight week the statewide gas price average increased in Texas. The increase has been attributed to rising crude oil prices by market analysts. Crude oil prices will be a dominant factor towards determining if drivers will see slightly cheaper or more expensive pump prices in the coming weeks. Crude oil prices have increased since the beginning of the year.

“As the statewide gas price average has now increased two weeks in a row, all eyes are on the price of crude oil,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “Crude oil prices, which have increased since the start of the year, will be a dominant factor in determining how much drivers will be paying for gasoline in the coming weeks.”

With the exception of New Mexico, all states in the South and Southeast saw gas price averages increase on the 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 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/.

(News release from AAA Texas)