AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Retail Gas Prices Increase

HOUSTON--Aug. 1, 20035, 2003--Retail gasoline prices in Texas increased this week, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by AAA Texas.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular self-serve is $1.49 - up three pennies since a week ago. A year ago, a gallon of gas in Texas cost $1.32. The Austin-San Marcos area saw the sharpest increase of nearly four cents at $1.45 a gallon. The least expensive gas can be purchased in the Alamo City at $1.44, up slightly more than two pennies. In Dallas, a gallon of gas now averages $1.50, up more than three cents in only a week.

"Crude oil and U.S. wholesale prices remain high partially due to low inventories of gasoline and regional refinery problems, such as at the ExxonMobil refinery in Baytown," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "These appear to be the primary reasons for the price spike."

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

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Aug. 15, 2003:

Area                    Regular        Change          Record Price
----                   --------     -----------      ---------------
Austin-San Marcos       $1.452       +3.4 cents      $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi          $1.460       +2.3 cents      $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                  $1.496       +3.1 cents      $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth              $1.489       +3.2 cents      $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                 $1.477       +2.8 cents      $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio             $1.442       +2.4 cents      $1.582 (3/18/03)