The following is a news release from AAA Texas:

The statewide gas price average in Texas is now $2.76 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is six cents more than last week and is 58 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 $3.07 while drivers in Wichita Falls are paying the least at $2.63 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.97, which is five cents more than this day last week and 60 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

While the statewide average remains below $2.80 per gallon heading into the busy travel period of Memorial Day weekend, three Texas cities surveyed by AAA are seeing gas prices above $3.00 per gallon for the first time this year. Midland, El Paso and Odessa have all surpassed the $3 mark, currently sitting at $3.07, $3.04 and $3.03, respectively.

However, higher gas prices are not keeping holiday travelers home this weekend, with automobile travel expected to increase for the fourth straight year, by nearly 5 percent over last Memorial Day. The 88 percent of travelers choosing to drive will pay the most expensive Memorial Day gas prices since 2014. Gas prices are up primarily due to expensive crude oil, record gasoline demand and shrinking global supply.

“Texans are paying 60 cents more for a gallon of gas compared to Memorial Day weekend last year,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico Spokesperson. “Even with more expensive gas prices, automobile travel is expected to increase by nearly five percent this Memorial Day in Texas. AAA Texas reminds motorists that distracted driving is deadly. Don’t drive intoxicated or intexticated this Memorial Day weekend.”

The South and Southeast region continue to tout the cheapest gas in the country, but prices are at least 50-cents more expensive than this time last year. Inventory levels in the region continue to fall and have now reached their lowest point in two years.

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)