AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Drivers across the Austin metro area saw gas prices fall slightly this week to the $3 mark on average, according to AAA Texas' Weekend Gas Watch.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded this week across the Austin-San Marcos metro is $3, down two cents from last week's average and 14 cents cheaper than this time last year.
The metro price is just above the statewide average, which fell five cents this week to $2.97 a gallon.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso and Midland are paying the most on average at $3.34 per gallon while drivers in McAllen are paying the least at $2.85 per gallon.
U.S. crude oil supplies continue to build sending oil prices lower. This is good news for drivers looking to save at the pump as crude accounts for up to 60% of the cost of each gallon of gasoline.
The Texas statewide gas price average, which has been fluctuating since the start of the year, dropped below the $3 mark on Tuesday, February 21.
Demand for fuel has been lower, which is normal during winter months when fewer people drive. Retail gas prices will likely continue to fluctuate and could increase as the weather warms and more people takeoff on spring break road trips in the coming weeks.
“Texas drivers are seeing a little relief at the gas pump this week as the statewide average dropped back below $3 per gallon,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “As spring nears and the switchover to the more expensive summer-blend gasoline takes place, it would not be surprising to see prices continue to fluctuate or increase.”
Drivers in Texas are paying the lowest gas price average in the country, according to AAA data. Meanwhile, drivers in Hawaii are paying the most at $4.88 on average for a gallon of regular unleaded.
