AAA Texas' Weekend Gas Watch; Gas Prices Decrease As Summer Driving Season Gets Underway

    HOUSTON--May 31, 2002--In an unusual presummer twist, gasoline prices are decreasing as motorists gear up for vacation season, 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 average price for regular self-serve fuel in major Texas cities is well below the national average of $1.40. In San Antonio, the average is $1.275, down 0.1 cent since last week. In the Austin - San Marcos area it's $1.301, down 0.1 cent. Houston motorists are paying $1.36 a gallon -- about a penny less than the cost of gas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
    "Motorists have yet to see the anticipated increases that are typical during the start of the summer driving season," said Rose Rougeau, AAA Texas spokesperson. "The average cost for a gallon of gasoline is about 25 cents below last year's price."

    Average prices as of 12:01 AM, May 31, 2002:

Area                    Regular     Change from         Record Price
                                     last week
-------------------     -------     -----------       ----------------
Austin - San Marcos     $1.301       - 0.1 cent       $1.538 (5/15/01)

Corpus Christi          $1.297       - 0.3 cent       $1.505 (5/8/01)

Dallas                  $1.372              n/a       $1.666 (5/12/01)

Ft. Worth               $1.367       - 0.1 cent       $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                 $1.356       - 0.3 cent       $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio             $1.275       - 0.1 cent       $1.498 (5/9/01)

    AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, AAA Texas' members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.