AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- An increase in gasoline demand has sent prices upward this week, according to the latest data from AAA Texas' Weekend Gas Watch.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the Austin-San Marcos metro area is $2.83 this week, up three cents from last week and 98 cents more expensive than a year ago.
Across Texas, drivers are paying an average of $2.84 this week, up one cent from last week and 98 cents more than a year ago. The national average is up two cents this week to $3.19, which is $1.01 more expensive than this time last year.
Drivers in El Paso continue to see some of the state's highest gas prices, at an average of $3.24 a gallon, while drivers in Amarillo are paying the least on average at $2.76.
Analysts say demand for gasoline was up about five percent week-over-week, with weekly regional fuel supply numbers down slightly, and Gulf Coast refinery utilization marginally higher compared to last week. These factors have likely helped keep prices at the pump steady-to-higher in many areas from last week. Crude oil prices continue to be more expensive from last year, which is why pump prices have been higher, too.
Texas continues to have the third-lowest gas price average in the country.
