That price is eight cents more than on this day last week and is $1.63 more per gallon compared to this day last year.
The statewide gas price average in Texas set a new record on Thursday.
The current price average is $4.34 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.
Locally, Paris drivers are paying up to $4.49 per gallon with the average being $4.39 per gallon.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $4.54 per gallon while drivers in Lubbock are paying the least at $4.16 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.71, which is the highest price ever recorded by AAA, is 11 cents more when compared to this day last week and $1.67 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
After a very busy start to the summer driving season, the statewide gas price average hit yet another record high Thursday. This spike is primarily driven by the oil market watching the possibility that supplies may become tighter as COVID lockdowns ease in China and the European Union will phase in a ban of most Russian oil products. Keeping a cap on oil prices from skyrocketing further are reports that Saudi Arabia said it is prepared to increase oil production to make up for the loss of Russian oil in the market.
“New retail gas price records continue to be set across the state as crude oil prices remain elevated due to tight supplies around the globe,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Prices will likely continue to fluctuate with relief likely not coming until after the busy summer travel season concludes.”
Texans planning to take a road trip this summer can use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of fuel for their trip. Simply enter your route and this tool will generate an estimated fuel cost. Go to gasprices.aaa.com to find the calculator and latest gas price averages in Texas and across the U.S.
AAA Tips to save money on fuel:
Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. Adopting new and improved driving behaviors can contribute to significant savings at the gas pump. Here are some simple ways drivers can improve fuel efficiency:
· Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
· Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
· Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
· Minimize your use of air conditioning.
· Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
· Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
· Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
· Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level. Discount Tire, for example, offers free air checks at their shops.
· When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights. This reduces repeated braking and acceleration that consume additional fuel.
· When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
Drivers in Texas are paying the 9th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com. Meanwhile drivers in California are paying the most at $6.21 on average for a gallon over regular unleaded.
