Texas Gas Prices Tick Up Slightly, Lubbock Remains Low

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas drivers are paying a little more at the pump this week, but prices remain well below what they were a year ago, according to the latest AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel is now $2.75, up two cents from last week. Despite the slight increase, that is still 51 cents less than what drivers were paying at this time last year, says AAA.

Among the major metro areas surveyed, El Paso tops the list with the highest average, at $2.94 per gallon. Drivers in Tyler see the lowest prices, averaging just $2.60 per gallon. Lubbock drives also fall in the low category, averaging $2.61 per gallon.

Nationwide, the average cost for regular unleaded fuel remains unchanged from last week at $3.17 per gallon, down 49 cents compared to this day last year.

AAA Texas states the mild rise in prices is due to increasing demand, as warmer spring weather encourages more Texans to hit the road. Still, lower crude oil prices are helping keep gas prices in check. Crude is currently trading at around $62 per barrel, a notable drop from $82 at this time last year.

“Fuel demand is starting to increase as more Texans take to the road, which is putting some upward pressure on prices,” said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas. “However, drivers are still seeing decent savings at the pump compared to this time last year, thanks in large part to lower crude oil prices.”