Higher crude oil and ethanol prices have helped push the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas up by 13 cents, to $3.49, says auto club AAA.
Drivers in Fort Worth-Arlington and also Dallas are paying the most, $3.52, and motorists in El Paso are paying the least at $3.21.
"The average in the Lone Star State is 17 cents less than the national gas price average of $3.66 a gallon," AAA said Thursday.
"The higher pump prices are due to rising global crude oil prices, much more expensive domestic ethanol as a result of the current Midwestern drought and an increase in demand due to the summer driving season," it said.
“Right now Texans are paying about $49 to fill up a typical vehicle’s 14-gallon tank,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico public affairs representative Doug Shupe. “Some analysts say drivers will likely face higher pump prices in the weeks ahead until the summer draws to a close. Price decreases may resume in the fall when summer travel ends.”
-- Jim Fuquay
