AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Labor Day High Gas Prices Begin to Creep Downward

HOUSTON--Sept. 5, 2003--Texas motorists are starting to see some relief at the pumps as near record high gasoline prices start to fall, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by AAA Texas.

Currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular self-serve is $1.58 -- a two cent decrease compared to last week. A year ago, a gallon of gas in Texas averaged $1.33. Last week, Corpus Christi saw the sharpest increase of more than nine cents at an average of $1.58 a gallon. This week, it's among the lowest in the state with one of the biggest decreases at $1.56 a gallon -- a decrease of more than two pennies. San Antonio has the least expensive fuel on the list -- averaging $1.54 a gallon, down two cents. Dallas tops the list at $1.60 a gallon -- down less than a penny since a week ago.

"With Labor Day and the summer travel season over, gasoline prices are expected to fall this month as demand drops," according to Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "However, if there are further supply disruptions, fuel prices could start to move upward."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Sept. 5, 2003:

Area                   Regular        Change         Record Price
----                   -------        ------         ------------
Austin-San Marcos      $1.553       -1.9 cents     $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi         $1.556       -2.2 cents     $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                 $1.597       -0.8 cent      $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth             $1.581       -0.4 cent      $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                $1.579       -1.4 cents     $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio            $1.539       -2.2 cents     $1.582 (3/18/03)