You may have noticed the low gas prices around town, but it’s not just occurring on the South Plains. Statewide gas prices have reached the lowest price this year.
“Across the state of Texas we’ve been seeing prices drop over the last few weeks, that’s due to an abundance fo supply across the United States. In Texas we’ve reached the lowest point for the statewide average of the year at $2.19 per gallon of regular unleaded. We’re seeing this across the nation where gas prices are falling and falling relatively fast,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA spokesperson.
In Lubbock, we’ve seen prices as low as $1.98, but Armbruster said, “the average is $2.11 for regular unleaded; that’s the lowest point. And, the closest time that we’ve seen the price get that close was back in January at $2.22 a gallon.”
The question is, how long can we expect to see these low prices?
“That’s the million dollar question,” Armbruster says. “OPEC is going to meet in December, and there are talks that they could make some moves that could actually bring supply and demand from a global picture more evened out. And, if that were to occur, then gas prices would either, we would see the fall of gas prices slow down, if not stop, and possibly go back the other way.”
But with all the speculation around the topic, there are a number of possible outcomes.
“There’s tensions across the globe following the Iran sanctions that also have to do with global oil supply, so a lot of different factors that could play out in the next few weeks that could really determine what we see as we start 2019,” said Armbruster.
In the state of Texas, retailers have the right to set gas prices as they see fit. While it’s too early to forecast the prices in the coming weeks, there are a some things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most efficiency from your fuel.
Armbruster recommends, “When you’re driving down the road, make sure you avoid those quick starts and stops. Make sure you lighten the load, and don’t have all those heavy things in there that’s going to make your vehicle heavier. And the most important thing is to make sure your tires are properly inflated, not only can that cause a blow out if they’re not, but also it takes away your fuel efficiency.”
To make sure you’re getting the lowest fuel prices in town, download the AAA mobile app. The free app allows anyone, including those who do not have a AAA membership, to search your area to find the lowest fuel prices.