AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Gas prices have been falling slightly across the Austin area this week, though they still remain at year-long highs according to the latest AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.
Austin area drivers are paying an average of $4.63 a gallon for regular unleaded this week, down from last week's $4.69 and the June 14 record of $4.70 a gallon. The average remains $1.93 higher than this time a year ago.
Across the state, drivers are paying an average of $4.60 a gallon, down nine cents from last week and $1.86 higher than last year.
Drivers in El Paso continue to see the state's highest average, at $4.89 per gallon this week, while drivers in Laredo are paying the least at $4.24 per gallon.
Across the country, drivers are paying an average of $4.94 for regular unleaded, down seven cents from last week and $1.87 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
While crude oil prices have declined slightly, they remain above $105 per barrel. Analysts say that price fluctuations are still possible as the busy Independence Day holiday weekend gets closer.
Despite unusually high gas prices, AAA is predicting that a record 3.1 million Texans will drive 50 miles or more to celebrate the upcoming holiday, with 3.5 million Texans traveling in total.
“Texans are seeing minor relief at the gas pump with prices dropping an average of nine cents a gallon compared to last week,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Prices could fluctuate as the busy Independence Day holiday approaches."
