Texas Gas Prices Show Decrease; AAA Texas Monthly Fuel Gauge Report
HOUSTON--March 14, 2001--Texans traveling during spring break may find cheaper gasoline prices than they did just a month ago.The current statewide average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $1.33, a 6 cent decrease from last month's average price of $1.39 a gallon. It is also 15 cents less than last March's average of $1.48 a gallon.
Nationally, AAA's Fuel Gauge Report shows the average price at $1.44, down 4 cents from a month ago when prices were $1.48 a gallon. Last year, the average was $1.47 a gallon. March is the 14th consecutive month of gasoline prices in excess of $1.30 a gallon, nationally.
On the fuel price horizon this week is Friday's OPEC meeting in Vienna. Oil ministers are said to be contemplating a production cut of one million barrels per day in an effort to keep the price of crude between $25 and $28 per barrel.
"The drop in price is likely to be temporary. Seasonal travel demands and OPEC's actions will probably drive prices higher again," said Rose Rougeau, a spokesperson for AAA Texas. "To help motorists drive smarter, and save money, AAA is offering a free brochure with tips on how motorists can reduce their fuel consumption," added Rougeau. AAA's Gas Watcher's Guide is available at no cost in all of AAA Texas' 21 statewide offices.
AAA and AAA Texas commission their Fuel Gauge Reports as a service to motorists and the media. The current reports are based on data gathered by the Oil Price Information Service -- the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information.
AAA Texas has been serving Texans since 1905. Today, AAA Texas offers its members a full service travel agency, auto-related and financial services, as well as public safety programs and legislative advocacy.
Note: Attached is March 14, 2001 average price information for 17 Texas cities.
AAA TEXAS FUEL GAUGE MONTHLY REPORT
AVERAGE PRICE OF SELF-SERVE REGULAR GASOLINE
IN SELECTED TEXAS CITIES
Metro State Mar. `01 Feb. `01 Mar. `00 Feb. `00
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Abilene TX 1.368 1.391 1.491 1.306
Amarillo TX 1.299 1.431 1.488 1.345
Austin TX 1.323 1.361 1.457 1.260
Beaumont TX 1.312 1.391 1.482 1.288
Brownsville TX 1.246 1.318 1.471 1.291
Corpus Christi TX 1.258 1.301 1.465 1.238
Dallas TX 1.396 1.425 1.494 1.309
El Paso TX 1.314 1.363 1.473 1.309
Fort Worth TX 1.393 1.424 1.472 1.280
Houston TX 1.354 1.384 1.518 1.307
Laredo TX 1.425 1.437 1.460 1.291
Longview TX 1.377 1.399 1.477 1.300
Lubbock TX 1.310 1.427 1.483 1.323
Midland TX 1.402 1.424 n/a n/a
Odessa TX 1.346 1.397 n/a n/a
San Antonio TX 1.273 1.323 1.444 1.239
Waco TX 1.257 1.358 1.457 1.256
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Average TX 1.333 1.386 1.475 1.290
(Mar. 2001) (Mar. 2000)
National Average Price $1.44 $1.47 down 3 cents
Texas Average Price $1.33 $1.48 down 15 cents
Survey Commissioned by AAA-Texas on March 2001