AAA Texas: Statewide Avg. Gas Price Increases Slightly, Still Less Than Last Year

(Houston, TX) – The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Texas is now $3.38, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents more than last week but 25 less than last year. Today’s statewide average is also 17 cents less than the national average which is now $3.55.

Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in the state, drivers in Dallas and Ft. Worth are paying the most on average at $4.41, and drivers in Beaumont are paying the least at $3.28 a gallon.

(Houston, Texas) – The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is now $3.39, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 12 cents less than the national average which now sits at $3.51. Drivers in Houston are paying the most on average at $3.43 and drivers in Beaumont are paying the least on average at $3.26.

• The recent falling retail gas prices have been a result of an increase in refinery production now that regularly scheduled refinery maintenance has been completed.
• U.S. gasoline prices are falling, not just because of weak demand and signs of economic weakness, but oil prices have also moved sharply lower.
• Today’s statewide average price is six cents less than one week ago and 42 cents less than a year ago.
• Texans are paying about $47 dollars to fill up a typical 14-gallon size fuel tank, the size of an average family-sized vehicle.
• Last year that same tank cost $53. Texas families are currently saving about $6 per tank compared to last year.

“Lower gas prices this spring are a relief to consumers who are planning weekend trips to enjoy the many great destinations throughout our state,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Sarah Schimmer. “Following through with regular car maintenance can increase fuel efficiency which helps consumers save at the pump.”

AAA Texas: Spring Brings Drivers a Break at the Pumps

(Irving, TX) – The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is now $3.45, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 11 cents less than the national average which now sits at $3.56. Drivers in Dallas and Fort Worth are paying the most on average at $3.50 and drivers in Beaumont are paying the least on average at $3.33.

Motorists in every state are enjoying relief at the pump. In fact, today’s statewide average price is six cents less than one week ago and 38 cents less than a year ago.

Retail gas prices across the country surged to begin 2013, which was driven by a decline in refinery production and higher gasoline futures prices. The recent falling retail gas prices have been a result of an increase in refinery production now that regularly scheduled refinery maintenance has been completed.

Texans are paying an average of $3.51 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the state. That price is two cents less than one week ago and 33 cents less than a year ago. The statewide average is also 13 cents less than the national average which remained $3.64, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. Drivers in Dallas and Fort Worth are paying the most on average at $3.59, and drivers in Beaumont are paying the least at $3.38.

At the state level, prices have fallen for drivers in the vast majority of the country. Most states have a lower average price today than one week ago. While retail prices declined steadily in March, oil prices crept higher on signs of continued economic recovery. Currently Texans are paying about $49 to fill up a 14-gallon size fuel tank. Last year they were paying nearly $54 to fill up.

(Irving, TX) – The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Lone Star State is now $3.57, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is three cents more than last week and 12 cents less than the current national average of $3.69. Drivers in Fort Worth are paying the most on average at $3.68, and drivers in Beaumont are paying the least at $3.44.

While the recent price movement has varied by state, the year-over-year savings have been nearly universal. Drivers in every state, with the exception of North Dakota, pay less than the same day last year. In Texas, drivers are paying an average of 18 cents less per gallon than this same day last year. After declining during the second half of February, crude oil prices have posted slight gains in recent weeks as a result of positive economic news.

“As we see gas prices fluctuate up and down, we encourage people to continue to maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “Spring weather has arrived and many will hit the roads for weekend trips, so we remind them to maintain vehicles according to manufacture recommendations, pack belongings in their car not on the car, and drive the speed limit – not aggressively.”

(Irving, TX) – The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Lone Star State is now $3.54, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents less than last week and 16 cents less than the current national average of $3.70. Drivers in Dallas are paying the most on average at $3.58, and drivers in El Paso are paying the least at $3.47.

It is too soon to say whether retail prices have peaked for the spring, because there is still refinery maintenance to be completed and much of the country must still transition to summer-blend gasoline. The spike in pump prices earlier this year was the result of refinery maintenance and other unplanned concerns, rather than more expensive crude oil.

“Texans are now paying about $50 to fill up a typical 14-gallon size fuel tank,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “As people head out for spring trips we encourage travelers to pack all their belongings inside their vehicles and not on top to reduce drag, make sure their car or truck is up-to-date on manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, and drive the speed limit and not aggressively.”

AAA Texas: Drivers Get Small Break at the Pump, Statewide Average Down One Penny

(Irving, TX) – Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas is now $3.63, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is one cent less than one week ago and 15 cents less than the national average which is now $3.78. Drivers in Dallas are paying the most on average at $3.68 and drivers in El Paso are paying the least at $3.48.

The recent surge in retail prices has been driven only somewhat by rising crude oil prices but more as a result of refinery maintenance and issues. This has meant less gasoline being produced and fewer supplies, which has caused prices to go higher.
This year’s refinery maintenance schedule and switch-over to summer-blend gasoline production appears to be more dramatic than recent years and is taking place earlier than last year.

Global demand continues to keep upward pressure on gas prices despite unremarkable domestic demand due to a still recovering economy, high unemployment and more fuel efficient vehicles on the road. In particular, China (the second largest oil-consumer after the U.S.) saw crude oil demand hit a record high in January.

AAA Texas: More Than Seven Million Texans Will Travel During the Year-End Holiday Season

(Houston, Texas) – It’s the time of year when people gather with family to reflect on the end of the year and to prepare for the new year ahead. AAA Texas forecasts nearly 7.7 million Texans will leave home to celebrate the Year-End holidays – an increase of 2.4 percent over last year. The Year-End holiday travel period is an 11-day travel period, the longest of the year. AAA defines travel during this period as round trips of 50 miles or more beginning Sat., Dec. 22 through Tues., Jan. 1.

The Year-End holidays are different from holidays earlier in the year in that it is a much longer travel period. With a wider window for travel, individuals are willing to journey longer distances and spend a little more to share the last days of the year with family.

Overall travel during this holiday season will be up slightly across the state and nation despite the long and slow economic recovery. Market analysts say the improving economic conditions across the country are fueling the travel growth.

AAA Texas forecasts travel volume by automobile will be up and continue to be the primary mode of transportation during the Year-End holiday period.

(Irving, TX) –The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Texas is $3.16, which is the same as it was one week ago, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. Motorists in El Paso are paying the most on average at $3.24, and people in Beaumont, Dallas and Ft. Worth are paying the least at $3.10.

Nationwide drivers are now paying an average of $3.41, which is 25 cents more than the average in the Lone Star State. Gas prices have been on the decline in Texas and across the nation as a result of the transition to winter-blend fuel, which is less expensive to produce; cheaper crude oil prices; lower demand for fuel; and economic concerns.

However a recent increase in crude prices has put upward pressure on retail gas prices. Additionally, recent optimistic economic news, including some positive signals in Washington D.C. regarding efforts to address the looming U.S. “fiscal cliff,” have seen commodities prices, including gasoline move higher. A stronger economy would be expected to demand more gasoline which puts upward pressure on prices.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Ricco Leo Torres, 32, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list, and a $10,000 cash reward is now offered for information leading to his capture. The Barrio Azteca gang member has a violent criminal past and has been arrested 13 times and charged with 28 offenses since 1997. Texas Crime Stoppers tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

Torres, a native of Santa Clara, California, has relatives and friends living in El Paso, and has never held a legitimate job. His criminal history includes Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Assault/Bodily Injury, Engaging in Organized Crime, Resisting/Evading Arrest, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence and drug offenses. He is currently wanted for felony Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Torres is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. His tattoos include "Sandra" on the left side of his chest; a female figure, money bag, and gun in the center of his abdomen; "79," dragon, faces, tower, and clown in the center of his back; and "Rico" on the back of his neck. For more information, please view his wanted poster at:
http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/fugitiveDetails.aspx?id=167.

(Irving, Texas) – Texans are now paying an average of $3.54 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. Drivers in Amarillo are paying the most on average at $3.60 per gallon and drivers in Fort Worth are paying the least at $3.47.

While the national average price at the pump has declined steadily since mid-September, this price relief has not been spread evenly across the country. Lower global crude prices, sluggish economic news, the end of the summer driving season and the switchover from more expensive summer-blend gasoline have all meant lower prices for drivers in the majority of states. The exception has been in the Northeast and West Coast where extremely tight supplies have caused prices to move higher.

“Texans are fairing much better compared to drivers in other parts of the country,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “Right now Texans are paying about 24 cents less than the national average which sits at $3.78.”

Drivers in the Lone Star State are paying about $50 to fill up a typical 14-gallon size fuel tank. AAA Texas encourages motorists to maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency by keeping it maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.

AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Falls Seven Cents from Last Week

(Irving, Texas) – Texans are now paying an average of $3.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. This price is seven cents less than one week ago and 21 cents less than the national average of $3.79. Right now drivers in Amarillo are paying the most on average at $3.63 per gallon and drivers in Corpus Christi are paying the least at $3.51.

Although pump prices are higher compared to this same time last year, prices have begun to decrease following the end of the summer driving season, the resolution of regional supply and distribution issues, and the end of the summer-blend gasoline production for much of the country.

“Historically, gas prices tend to fall from September through Christmas,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “AAA expects this trend, which has held true for seven of the previous nine years, to continue this year. We’re hopeful this will continue to be good news for folks who plan to drive long distances during the holiday season.”

(Irving, Texas) – Today’s statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.65 according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. This price is two cents less than one week ago and 20 cents less than the national average of $3.85. Right now drivers in Texarkana are paying the most on average at $3.69 per gallon and drivers in Corpus Christi, El Paso and Galveston are paying the least at $3.61.

AAA Texas continues to expect pump prices will trend lower heading into the end of the year. Factors that could lead to falling prices soon include the spike from Hurricane Isaac waning, gas demand declining as a result of the summer driving season ending, and refineries transitioning from more expensive summer-blend to less expensive winter-blend gasoline.

“All of these factors point to potentially lower prices at the pump in the weeks and months to come,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “In the meantime, drivers should keep their vehicles maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maximize their car or truck’s fuel efficiency.”

To help consumers 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.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a recent five day, joint federal and state law enforcement operation across Texas, in which officers with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 50 undocumented sex offenders and other violators.

“DPS is proud to have worked together with ICE in this successful operation to target and apprehend ruthless criminals who prey on Texans,” said Texas DPS Director Steven McCraw. “These types of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies at all levels are critical to protecting our communities and keeping criminals off our streets.”

The goal of the operation, dubbed SOAR (Sex Offender Alien Removal), was to identify, locate and arrest undocumented individuals who have convictions for sex crimes, or who have been previously deported. This operation was coordinated with the various Texas ERO Teams and DPS, which assisted in developing the fugitive lists for this operation.

Arrests were made throughout the state, and the individuals arrested represent various countries in Latin America.

"Collaborative operations like this clearly show the public safety impact when ICE teams up with our law enforcement partners to target criminal aliens,” said Enrique M. Lucero, field office director for ERO San Antonio. "Our number one goal is prioritizing our resources to keep our communities safe. By targeting our efforts on these egregious offenders, ICE and DPS are making the best use of our resources and removing these criminals from our streets and the country.”

For more information about this operation, please visit: www.ICE.gov
 

AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Rises Four Cents

(Irving, Texas) – The current statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Texas is now $3.53. Drivers in Austin, Dallas and Houston are paying the most on average at $3.54 and motorists in El Paso are paying the least at $3.28. Despite the increase, Texans are still paying about 18 cents less than the national average of $3.71.

Although the rising national average has made headlines, motorists are not seeing as great of an increase in every state. From July 14th to August 13th Texans saw retail prices increase 20 to 30 cents, while states like Oregon and California saw price increases of more than 40 cents. Recent events like a refinery fire in Northern California and a pipeline rupture in Wisconsin caused the bigger price increases in certain regions. While domestic supply and distribution issues have impacted state and regional prices, higher oil prices as a result of new geopolitical tensions with Iran and the increased demand from the summer driving season, continue to push national pump prices higher.

“Many families have already made their end-of-summer and Labor Day vacation plans, so we expect they’ll still go on those trips.” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “However, we will see some families cope with the rising gas prices by adjusting their travel budgets. Some may stay with friends or family instead of in hotels, while others may not spend as much money on souvenirs or expensive dinners.”

Analysts say relief at the pump will likely come after the Labor Day holiday when the summer travel season ends and refineries transition to less expensive fuel blends. AAA Texas encourages people to maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency by following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, including oil changes, tire pressure and tread maintenance, as well as fluid and filter replacements.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added three new fugitives from different parts of the state to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive list, and cash rewards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are being offered for information leading to their capture. All tips can be offered anonymously.

A cash reward of $7,500 is being offered for Josue M. Reyna, 22, of Lubbock. Reyna has a violent criminal history and some family members have suspected ties to a Mexican drug cartel. He has active warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Retaliation. Authorities are focusing on a wide area in their search for Reyna, including West and Southwest Texas and Mexico. He has family ties to Lubbock, Seminole, Brownfield, Austin, San Antonio, Fabens and Eagle Pass. He may also be in Coahuila, Mexico. If a tipster provides information that leads to an arrest, the reward will be paid even if he is captured in Mexico. For additional information, view his wanted poster at:
http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/fugitiveDetails.aspx?id=158.

A cash reward of $10,000 is being offered for Jose Angel Cabral, 58, of San Elizario (near El Paso). The Barrio Azteca gang member has an extensive criminal history in Texas and California, including Robbery, Burglary, Grand Theft Auto, Resisting Arrest, and a variety of drug offenses. He is originally from Mexico and has active warrants for Parole Violation and Burglary. For additional information, including tattoos, view his wanted poster at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/fugitiveDetails.aspx?id=156.

A cash reward of $5,000 is being offered for Eddie Garza Jr., 40, of San Antonio. The Texas Mexican Mafia member has been convicted of Attempted Murder, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, Burglary and Possession of Marijuana. He is wanted for Parole Violation. For additional information, including tattoos, view his wanted poster at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/fugitiveDetails.aspx?id=157.

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw and Texas Gov. Rick Perry today honored retiring Texas Ranger Chief Hank Whitman after 22 years of service with DPS. At the same PSC meeting today, the Border Security Operations Center (BSOC) was honored for the groundbreaking border camera program known as Operation Drawbridge, and Criminal Investigations Agent Cabora Domingue received an award for saving the life of a fellow agent.

“Agent Domingue did what comes natural to DPS officers, coming to the aid of people in need and potentially saving a colleague’s life,” said Director McCraw. “The men and women of the BSOC and Operation Drawbridge help make Texas more secure by leveraging technology to monitor illegal activity along the border with Mexico and immediately alerting appropriate authorities to take enforcement action. Retiring Texas Ranger Chief Hank Whitman will be missed by the state of Texas. We are grateful for his service, integrity, passion, leadership and his contributions to the safety and security of all Texans during his distinguished career as a public servant.”

Gov. Perry personally thanked Chief Whitman for his service and presented the former U.S. Marine with a commission as an honorary admiral in the Texas Navy.

"For over 30 years, Hank has served his country and his state with the type of honor and professionalism that is expected of a Texas Ranger,” said Gov. Perry. “He is part of an elite group of individuals who put on a badge every day and selflessly commit to protecting the innocent from the evil. Anita and I will be forever grateful for his devotion to Texas and wish him well for an enjoyable retirement."

AAA Texas: Statewide Average Gas Price Increases 13 Cents

(Irving, Texas) – The average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is now $3.49. Drivers in Dallas/Fort Worth are paying the most on average at $3.52, and motorists in El Paso are paying the least at $3.21. The average in the Lone Star State is 17 cents less than the national gas price average of $3.66 a gallon.

The higher pump prices are due to rising global crude oil prices, much more expensive domestic ethanol as a result of the current Midwestern drought and an increase in demand due to the summer driving season.

“Right now Texans are paying about $49 to fill up a typical vehicle’s 14-gallon tank,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Public Affairs Representative Doug Shupe. “Some analysts say drivers will likely face higher pump prices in the weeks ahead until the summer draws to a close. Price decreases may resume in the fall when summer travel ends.”

For those who still have summer road trips to take, AAA Texas recommends you maintain your vehicle according to manufacturer recommendations, keep tires properly inflated and inspect tread wear.

To help consumers 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: Statewide Average Price for Gallon of Gas is the Same as Last Week, Analysts Forecast Decreases In the fall

(Irving, Texas) – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas remained the same as last week and continues to be $3.36. Drivers in Austin and San Marcos are paying the most on average at $3.39, and motorists in El Paso are paying the least at $3.15. Nationwide drivers are paying an average of $3.53, which is 17 cents more than the average price in Texas.

Global oil prices continue to be driven by economic news including sovereign debt concerns in the euro zone, signs of slowing growth in China, and geopolitical tensions with Iran. Some analysts say as we approach the end of the summer driving season, these global factors are likely to remain a major factor in the price movement of crude oil and products.

“Relief at the pump may be around the corner once the summer driving season ends, gas demand declines, and refineries transition to less expensive fuel blends,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “Some forecast gas prices for August will likely remain relatively flat through Labor Day.”

Right now Texans are paying about $47 to fill up a typical family car, which is still less than what they were paying this same time last year when it cost about $50 for a 14-gallon tank of fuel.

William Darrell Richardson, 46, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, has been captured in Overton (Rusk County) after investigators followed up on a tip. The tipster will receive a $5,000 cash reward for providing information that led to the apprehension. Two other Most Wanted fugitives were also recently arrested – one on June 28 in Lubbock and the other on June 29 in Odessa. In 2012, DPS and other agencies have arrested 20 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, including 14 gang members, and $45,500 in rewards has been paid for tips that resulted in arrests.

Richardson, an Aryan Circle gang member with a conviction for Capital Murder, was captured July 3 at an Overton residence by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations agents, DPS Highway Patrol troopers, DPS Aviation and the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. He was wanted for Parole Violation. For more details, view his captured bulletin at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/capturedDetails.aspx?id=142.

The two other Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives arrested recently were:
• Marcos Alberto Caldera Jr., 27, who was captured June 29 by DPS Criminal Investigations agents and the U.S. Marshals Service in Odessa. The Tango Blast gang member was wanted for parole violation. The arrest was not the result of a tip. For more details, view his captured bulletin at:
http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/capturedDetails.aspx?id=138.

• Antwoin Laroy Parson, 29, who was arrested by the Lubbock Police Department on June 28 during a prostitution sting at a local motel. The Crips gang member had been arrested 17 times for a variety of crimes. The arrest was not the result of a tip. For more details, view his captured bulletin at:
http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/capturedDetails.aspx?id=140.