According to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch, the gas price average in Texas is $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. In a news release on Tuesday, December 21, the company said that the price is one cent less than last week’s and 95 cents more than last year.
The national average is $3.30 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas, which is two cents less the previous week and $1.08 more than the price per gallon last year.
Out of the major metropolitan areas in Texas, the residents of Odessa are spending the most on average at $3.07, and San Antonio is paying the least at $2.68.
Amid the holidays, the demand for gas has recently surged. Concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant have impacted the economy and created some volatility in the oil market.
“As millions of Texans plan to hit the road to celebrate the year-end holidays, they are being greeted by the cheapest gas price average in the country,” said Daniel Armbruster, the spokesperson for AAA Texas. “Prices may continue to slide as the market continues to assess the latest possible economic impact of the Omicron variant.”
AAA Texas predicts a recovery for the end of the year that could bring back pre-pandemic numbers as Texans travel during the holiday season. Travel and safety officials say about 94% of Texans will be on the roads this Christmas.
“The gas prices have been such a relief recently,” said Fort Worth resident Lindsay Wright. “The prices were extremely high a few months ago and I know myself, as well as others, were tired of the toll it took every time we pumped gas. I’m going to be enjoying this for as long as it lasts.”
Currently, drivers in California are paying the most on average at $4.66 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas. Drivers can find more information by visiting AAA’s website here.
