Memorial Day Travelers Will Find Higher Prices At Texas Pumps; Average Gas Prices Up Over Last Year, Continuing Recent Trend

21 May 1999

Memorial Day Travelers Will Find Higher Prices At Texas Pumps; Average Gas Prices Up Over Last Year, Continuing Recent Trend

    HOUSTON--May 21, 1999--Motorists kicking-off the summer travel season will find gas prices an average of 5.5 cents higher across Texas than last year's Memorial Day holiday, according to AAA Texas. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Texas is $1.0653. In May 1998, the average statewide price was $1.0106.
    Gas prices continue to trend upward in Texas and nationwide following the March 1999 announcement of oil production cutbacks by OPEC. The Texas average price of self-serve regular unleaded has increased 17.44 cents since the March announcement.
    AAA reports the national average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline is $1.157 per gallon, up 5.9 cents from a year ago when the national average was $1.098.
    To ensure your safety this Memorial Day, AAA Texas reminds you to prepare for unpredictable weather during late spring travel by checking weather reports before departure. An automobile inspection that includes a check of engine oil, transmission and break fluids, engine coolant, battery, hoses, tires and other vital components is essential before you go. Also, pre-plan your trip using up-to-date maps, stay on well-traveled roads, and pack an emergency kit that includes flares, jumper cables, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.
    AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1905. Today, AAA Texas offers its members a full-service travel agency, auto-related services, financial services, public safety programs, and legislative advocacy.



                      AAA TEXAS GAS PRICE REPORT
         Average Price of Self-Serve Regular Unleaded Gasoline
                       In Selected Texas Cities

Cities                Memorial Day Weekend
                         1999     1998
                        ------   ------
Abilene                 1.0672   1.0816
Amarillo                1.0923   1.0097
Austin                  1.0497   0.9775
Beaumont                1.0443   0.9909
Brownsville             1.0660   0.9807
Corpus Christi          1.0176   0.9801
Dallas                  1.0816   1.0162
El Paso                 1.1429   1.0955
Fort Worth              1.0680   1.0088
Houston                 1.0699   1.0186
Laredo                  1.0508   1.0258
Longview                1.0629   1.0337
Lubbock                 1.0947   1.0377
San Antonio             1.0272   0.9604
Waco                    1.0318   0.9938

STATEWIDE               1.0653   1.0084

Source: Surveys commissioned by AAA Texas.
May 11, 1999 and May 20, 1998