With spring here and summer approaching, gas prices are rising earlier and higher than usual, said Charles Bolton, co-owner of Bolton Oil Company.
The average gas price in Lubbock is $2.37, up 4 cents for the week and 20 cents compared to this day last year. In comparison, the national average is $2.67, and the average in Texas is $2.45.
“I think it’s due to the amount of fuel being used by the public and United States, and also the fact that this is the time they do their maintenance on refineries,” said Bolton.
Tensions overseas may influence national gas prices, said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas.
“The potential trade war with China has a possible effect on gas prices, and of course oil prices have been going up,” he said.
Compared to all the states in the country, Texas gas prices are ranked in the top 10 for best gas prices, Armbruster said.
There are many ways to save on gas, Bolton explained. This includes not accelerating rapidly, proper inflation in the tires and car maintenance.
Prices will continue to rise over the next few months, Armbruster said.
“We are going into spring and summer travel season,” he said. “The weather is going to be warmer and more people on the roads and therefore there is the potential for prices to increase. AAA forecasts national gas could reach $2.70.”
The following is a news release from AAA Texas:
AAA Texas: Strong Demand and Rising Oil Prices Send Gas Prices Up
(Coppell, TX) – The statewide gas price average in Texas is now $2.45 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is two cents more than last week and is 20 cents more 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 $2.69 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.32 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.67, which is one cent more than this day last week and 27 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Today, the national gas price average has now reached the 2017 peak of $2.67 per gallon, which occurred in September during the days after Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Gas prices in many parts of the country have edged higher this week. Additionally, demand for gasoline remains robust.
“The national gas price average has now reached its peak from 2017 at $2.67 for a gallon of regular unleaded, said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico Spokesperson. “Compared to this day last year, Texans are paying 20 cents more per gallon to fill up their gas tanks. To improve fuel economy, drivers should keep the vehicle up to date on maintenance and avoid quick starts and stops on the road.”
Market analysts note that oil prices have gone up in the last three days. This news follows Energy Information Agency (EIA) reporting that crude exports hit a record high for the week ending on March 30. The last record high occurred in October 2017.Domestic crude oil production broke a new record this week, with production in the lower 48 states topping 10 million barrels per day.
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/.