AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Labor Day Travel Continues Despite Near Record Prices

HOUSTON--Aug. 2, 20039, 2003--Near record high gasoline prices in Texas will not deter Labor Day travelers, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by AAA Texas.

Currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular self-serve is $1.60 - that's an increase of seven cents in a week, and only two cents away from reaching the record high of $1.62 set in March 2003. A year ago, a gallon of gas in Texas averaged $1.33. Corpus Christi saw the sharpest increase this week of more than nine cents at an average of $1.58 a gallon. San Antonio has the least expensive fuel at $1.56 a gallon, up 7-point-two cents compared to a week ago, and two cents away from the record price of $1.58. Once again, Dallas prices are at the top of the list at $1.61 a gallon, up six cents in a week and six cents away from the record high of $1.67.

"In all, more than 2.5 million Texans will take a trip 50 miles or more from home this Labor Day holiday, up slightly less than one percent compared to last year," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "However, demand for gasoline will decrease after the Labor Day holiday and prices should start to fall."

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. 29, 2003:

Area                   Regular        Change           Record Price
----                  --------      ----------       ---------------
Austin-San Marcos      $1.572       +6.8 cents       $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi         $1.578       +9.3 cents       $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                 $1.605       +6.4 cents       $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth             $1.585       +5.7cents        $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                $1.593       +5.8 cents       $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio            $1.561       +7.2 cents       $1.582 (3/18/03)