The following is a news release from AAA Texas:

The statewide gas price average in Texas is now $2.72 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents less than last week and is 57 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 $3.08 while drivers in Brownsville and McAllen are paying the least at $2.56 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.90, which is four cents less than this day last week and 58 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

According to a AAA survey conducted earlier this year, only one in three (33 percent) respondents said they would change travel plans if gas prices hit $3, while nearly half (47 percent) say $3.50 would be the game changer for their summer plans. With strong summer consumer gasoline demand expected in the months ahead, market analysts anticipate motorists can expect little relief at the pump with the national gas price average ranging between $2.85 – $3.05 through Labor Day.

Gas prices continue to dip across the country, but remain nearly 50-cents more expensive than last summer in every state. In Texas, drivers are paying on average $8.12 more for a tank of gas compared to this time last year.

“For the second straight week gas prices are falling across Texas, giving drivers some relief at the pump as they prepare for summer vacation,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico Spokesperson. “Before taking off on summer road trips, drivers should make certain their vehicle is prepared to avoid breakdowns. The top reasons

AAA Texas responds to roadside emergencies during summer months are battery, tire and engine problems.”

Gas prices are getting cheaper, slowly, but surely in the South and Southeast. With this week’s drops, Florida has seen an 11-cent decrease since Memorial Day. On the week, gas prices in the region are six to one cent cheaper in every state.

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)