Texas Gas Prices Hit New Low Ahead Of Holiday Travel

AUSTIN, TEXAS — In something of an early holiday gift for motorists, the average gas price for a gallon of gas in Texas is at the lowest level since summer of last year and 34 cents cheaper than the national average, according to the latest report by AAA.

As of Dec. 20, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel is $2.02. That's the lowest price seen since July 2017, officials at AAA reported. Those in the Austin-San Marcos area aren't seeing such lows, but the average in that region is just slightly above the statewide average at $2.05, according to the report.

Motorists in the Midland-Odessa area aren't so lucky, with the average gas price there at $2.54 and $2.51, respectively. Conversely, the cheapest gas in the state is found in the Amarillo area, where motorists are happily pumping $1.88-per-gallon gas. In Arlington, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio, gas prices aren't too shabby at just under the $2-per-gallon mark.

Motorists are getting a break at the pump nationwide, AAA reports, with the national average at around $2.37 per gallon. The national average is a nickel less than last week, 26 cents less than last month and six cents less than a year ago, according to AAA analysts. Gasoline production on the high side, coupled with low demand, has set the stage for continually declining gas prices through year's end, analysts said.

Find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood at GasBuddy.com

AAA said the gasoline impact in Texas is also being seen across the rest of the country with the national average at $2.36 per gallon — a 4-cent drop from the previous week. But market analysts suggest drivers shouldn't get too comfortable as the downward trend is expected to fizzle out by 2019.

Triple-A analysts noted the national gas price average continues to drive the cheapest pump prices during the month of December since 2016.

Current price drops are welcome news to the 100 million-plus drivers nationwide expected to hit the road for holiday travel this week. The current price drops come at a most opportune time in the short term given the prevalence of holiday travel.

“AAA expects 102 million Americans to drive to their holiday destination this year, which is a 4 percent increase year-over-year,” Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson, said in the report. “No doubt cheaper gas prices are fueling their decision to hit the road.”

Visit GasBuddy.com to find the lowest fuel prices in your city.

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