HOUSTON – The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.19 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.
That price is nine cents less than this day last week and is eight cents less per gallon compared to this day last year.
Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in Midland are paying the most on average at $2.85 while drivers in Sherman-Denison are paying the least at $2.00 per gallon.
In the Houston area, the average price was $2.21 per gallon, down nine cents from a week ago.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.51, which is eight cents less than this day last week and two cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year.
As pump prices steadily decline, they are headed toward some of the cheapest gas prices in 2018.
So, how can you maximize the mileage on that cheaper tank of gasoline?
AAA recommends this:
►Slow down. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy.
►Share work or school rides by carpooling or consider public transportation.
►Do not use your trunk for storage. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.
►Combine errands. If possible, park in a central spot and walk from place to place.
►Choose a smaller, fuel efficient car for longer trips
►Hike or bike. You’ll burn less gas and more calories
►Work from home, if possible
►Replace “dinner and a movie” date night with dinner parties. You’ll save the mileage!
Here are a few ways AAA recommends you can improve your driving to get better gas mileage:
►Accelerate gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
►Anticipate your stops. When approaching a red light, let your foot off the gas as early as possible.
►In summer, drive during cooler parts of the day. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.
►Avoid long warm-ups in the morning. They’re unnecessary and waste fuel.
►Use air conditioning. Today’s air conditioners create less drag on the engine than driving with the windows open.
►Maintain recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.
►Keep the air filter clean. Clogged filters reduce fuel economy and increase exhaust emissions.
►Drive the speed limit.
The national average was lowest in January at $2.49 while May brought the most expensive price of $2.97. However, in Texas the average price per gallon is at $2.19, which is below the previous 2018 low of $2.24 set back in January.
“Texans are now paying the lowest gas prices of 2018, as the statewide average has dipped below the previous recorded low set back in January of this year,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas/AAA New Mexico spokesperson. “As more Americans look to save money by purchasing electric vehicles for their next automobile, consumers can check out the AAA Green Car Guide. This is a complete resource to learn more about the latest eco-friendly vehicles on the market.”
There are five states in the South and Southeast region landing on the Top 10 list of largest weekly declines: Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. With a seven-cent drop, Florida and North Carolina saw the smallest decreases in the region.
Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m.