COPPELL, Texas – The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.62 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is the same as this day last week and is two 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 $2.77 while drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.48 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.89, which is one cent more than this day last week and seven cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
Texas drivers were paying below two dollars per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline when 2019 started, but are now seeing prices 68 cents higher as May arrives. A recent AAA study shows on average American drivers will have to work 22% longer than at the start of the year to buy one gallon of regular unleaded.
Working with OPIS, AAA identified the median income for each county in the country broken down to an income by minute assuming a 40-hour workweek. The average gasoline price today was compared to the income per minute finding that counties in the Southeast have been hit the hardest. Some workers are working an additional 4 minutes when compared to January in order to buy a gallon of gasoline.
“While Texas gas prices are holding steady week-to-week, the slight relief is only expected to be short-lived,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “Retail gas prices in Texas are nearly 70 cents more per gallon compared to the beginning of 2019, and the national average has reached a new high for the year, reaching $2.89 per gallon.”
One week after the U.S. State Department announced the end of waivers for countries to import oil from Iran, increasing crude oil prices and pump prices show no signs of slowing down. Today’s national gas price average sets a new high for the year at $2.89. This average may only be seven cents more than a year ago, but it is nearly 20 cents more than a month ago and 63-cents more expensive than at the beginning of the year.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. 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.
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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.