SOUTHEAST TEXAS - The average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline increased 22 cents in the past week in Beaumont, according to the weekly survey released Thursday by AAA Texas.
The average in Beaumont is $3.60. It was $3.46 at this time last year. The record average high in Beaumont was $4 in July 2008.
IRVING – by AAA Texas
The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is now $3.64, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is 21 cents more than one week ago but 14 cents less than the national average which is now $3.78. Drivers in Dallas paying the most on average at $3.71 and drivers in El Paso are paying the least at $3.41
Some reasons why the gas prices have climbed in the past few weeks include:
U.S. refineries are performing seasonal maintenance and making the switch-over to summer-blend gasoline production earlier in the year
This earlier schedule is the choice of refiners and has not come in response to any change to the deadline to complete the transition to summer-blend fuels, which are required in many parts of the country and more expensive to produce.
As refineries across the country go offline during the short-term maintenance period they work at a temporary reduced capacity and regional supplies can decrease causing markets to be more sensitive during the changeover period.
In 2011 and 2012 gas prices both nationally and in Texas peaked in the April/May timeframe, just shortly before the Memorial Day Holiday, which is the kick-off to the summer driving season. Analysts say with the spring/summer blend poised to hit the market in the next couple of weeks, prices may continue on the upswing at least for the short term.
“The latest price hike means a Texas driver with a car that has a typical 14-gallon size fuel tank, is paying about three more dollars to fill up that tank this week compared to last week,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “We are encouraging drivers to maintain cars and trucks according to manufacturer recommendations, plan errands in advance, go easy on the brake and gas pedals, and drive the speed limit to increase their fuel efficiency.”
To help consumers identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair. AAA Texas can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas.
Area
Current 02/21/13
02/14/13
Difference
Year Ago 02/21/12
Difference
Record High Date
Record High Price
National
$3.78
$3.63
0.15
$3.58
0.20
07/17/08
$4.11
State
$3.64
$3.43
0.21
$3.50
0.14
07/17/08
$3.98
Amarillo
$3.52
$3.39
0.13
$3.31
0.21
07/16/08
$3.98
Austin-San Marcos
$3.61
$3.41
0.20
$3.47
0.14
07/17/08
$3.97
Beaumont
$3.60
$3.38
0.22
$3.46
0.14
07/16/08
$4.00
Corpus Christi
$3.63
$3.40
0.23
$3.48
0.15
07/15/08
$3.96
Dallas
$3.71
$3.47
0.24
$3.50
0.21
07/16/08
$3.98
El Paso
$3.41
$3.25
0.16
$3.38
0.03
07/17/08
$3.97
Ft. Worth
$3.70
$3.47
0.23
$3.49
0.21
07/16/08
$3.97
Galveston
$3.64
$3.43
0.21
$3.47
0.17
07/14/08
$3.97
Houston
$3.64
$3.43
0.21
$3.48
0.16
07/17/08
$3.96
San Antonio
$3.58
$3.37
0.21
$3.46
0.12
07/16/08
$3.96
Texarkana
$3.64
$3.46
0.18
$3.47
0.17
07/17/08
$3.98
Average gas price increases 22 cents in one week
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