AAA Texas: Gas Prices Find Bottom - Start Moving North

    HOUSTON--May 23, 2003--The customary beginning of the summer driving season is bringing higher prices throughout most of Texas with the prospect of prices inching still higher in coming weeks, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by AAA Texas. The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
    The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve is $1.387 which is four-tenths of a cent higher than last week's level, 8 cents below the price last month and 4 cents higher than last year. Of the major metropolitan areas in Texas, Dallas had the highest price with an average of 1.414 per gallon, while motorists in Corpus Christi have the lowest price of $1.282.
    "Wholesale gasoline prices in Texas have been edging upward and dealer profits are very thin at this time, which is a recipe for higher prices," said Carol Thorp, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Motorists can look for prices to start inching higher, and by this time next week, they could be 2-3 cents above their current levels."

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., May 23 2003:

Area                  Regular       Change         Record Price
----                 --------     ----------      ----------------
Austin-San Marcos     $1.330      +1.6 cents      $1.580 (3/19/03)
 
Corpus Christi        $1.282      +2.7 cents      $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                $1.414      -0.1 cents      $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth            $1.395      -0.1 cents      $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston               $1.377      +0.3 cents      $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio           $1.336      +1.5 cents      $1.582 (3/18/03)