COPPELL, Texas – The statewide gas price average in Texas is $1.98 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 38 cents less 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 $2.42 while drivers in Brownsville are paying the least at $1.89 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.28, which is two cents more than this day last week and 32 cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
The national gas price average increased as the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest demand rate reflected summer-like numbers. For the week ending Jan 25, the EIA reported U.S. gasoline demand at 9.6 million barrels per day. The last time the rate was this high was during the 2018 Labor Day weekend. One reason for the jump could be the extreme cold weather seen in many areas of the country last week.
“A winter storm packing very cold temperatures last week probably caused drivers, especially in the mid-west, to fill-up before its arrival. That kind of preparation more than likely drove up demand. This is similar to what we see prior to hurricanes,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “Now that the storm has passed, demand is likely to fall more in-line with typical February estimates.”
The majority of South and Southeast states are seeing gas prices decline or remain flat. Two likely contributing factors to the fluctuation is this week’s substantial, nearly 4 million barrel draw in gasoline stocks combined with refinery maintenance season. With the draw, total stock levels fell to 86.6 million barrels, but continue to measure at a year-over-year surplus.
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.
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/