Threat of War Drives Gasoline Prices Higher; AAA Texas Monthly Fuel Gauge Report
HOUSTON--Feb. 11, 2003--The anticipation of war with Iraq coupled with a decrease of gasoline exports from Venezuela are rapidly driving fuel prices higher across the state and the nation, according to AAA Texas Monthly Fuel Gauge Report.The statewide average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $1.50 - 10 cents higher than last month's average of $1.40 a gallon. Last year's average was $1.06 a gallon - nearly 45 cents less than the current average.
The nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline is now $1.61 a gallon. In January, motorists were paying an average of $1.47 a gallon. A year ago, the nationwide average price of self-serve regular was $1.13.
"The continuing loss of oil and gasoline exports from Venezuela and recent cold weather throughout much of the country have put a strain on worldwide crude oil supplies," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "However, because the nation is not at war with Iraq, and prices appear to be increasing on the anticipation of war, it seems that we are seeing panic pricing."
AAA Texas is advising motorists to shop aggressively for the best price of gasoline, look for ways to cut down on fuel consumption and keep their vehicles properly maintained to increase fuel economy.
AAA's Fuel Gauge Report is based on data from Oil Price Information Service, the nation's most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information.
AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas' members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance and financial products, travel agency, 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.
AAA TEXAS FUEL GAUGE MONTHLY REPORT
AVERAGE PRICE OF SELF-SERVE REGULAR GASOLINE
Difference
(Feb. '03
Metro State Feb. '03 & Feb. '02) Feb. '02 Jan. '03
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Abilene TX 1.504 Up .46 1.044 1.409
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Amarillo TX 1.509 Up .43 1.084 1.353
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Austin TX 1.482 Up .46 1.021 1.387
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Beaumont TX 1.508 Up .45 1.059 1.421
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Brownsville TX 1.498 Up .46 1.038 1.371
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Corpus Christi TX 1.500 Up .45 1.053 1.407
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Dallas TX 1.519 Up .45 1.066 1.431
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El Paso TX 1.481 Up .41 1.063 1.432
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Fort Worth TX 1.501 Up .43 1.067 1.414
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Houston TX 1.505 Up .47 1.034 1.412
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Laredo TX 1.466 Up .30 1.162 1.380
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Longview TX 1.511 Up .45 1.058 1.395
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Lubbock TX 1.512 Up .49 1.027 1.398
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Midland TX 1.536 Up .45 1.097 1.384
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Odessa TX 1.534 Up .46 1.076 1.393
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San Antonio TX 1.470 Up .46 1.009 1.392
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Waco TX 1.491 Up .48 1.010 1.360
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Average TX 1.502 Up .45 1.057 1.396
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