The following is a news release from AAA Texas:
The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.63 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is three cents more than this day last week and is 19 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 $3.02 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.54 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.88, which is four cents more compared to this day last week and 31 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Crude oil prices have been on an upward trend recently amid concerns that the United States will not release supplies from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to meet global demand following sanctions against Iran. This is causing gas prices to rise slightly during a time of year when they’ve historically dropped.
“This is a time of year when Texans normally see gas prices fall, but concerns about global supply and demand are causing oil prices to increase along with retail gas prices,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “Drivers looking to save at the pump can download the AAA Mobile App for free to find the cheapest gas near them.”
Gas prices in the south and southeast were dropping with demand. However gasoline inventories for the region are at a four-week low. If oil prices continue rising market analysts state that gas prices could follow the same trend through the end of this year.
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.
(News release from AAA Texas)