TEXAS: Gas Prices Hold Steady at Popular Driving Destinations

HOUSTON--April 26, 2002--Pump prices across the state appear to be holding steady, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by AAA Texas. The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.

Corpus Christi is the only city that experienced a decrease. Motorists are paying $1.346 for a gallon of regular self-serve, down 2.3 cents since last week. In the Austin - San Marcos area it's $1.319 a gallon, up 0.4 cents. San Antonio has the least expensive fuel at $1.304, with Fort Worth, Houston and the Dallas area topping the list with an average of $1.38.

"The price increases throughout the state appear to be stabilizing. None of the cities showed any increases above a penny since last week," said Rose Rougeau, AAA Texas spokesperson. "This probably reflects the fact that fears about a wider conflict in the Mideast have eased. Texas motorists may see a price hike around Memorial Day, however, when demand for gasoline typically goes up."

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., April 26, 2002:

                                      Change from
      Area              Regular        last week        Record Price
-------------------     -------       -----------     ----------------
Austin - San Marcos      $1.319       + 0.4 cents     $1.538 (5/15/01)
Corpus Christi           $1.346       - 2.3 cents     $1.505 (5/8/01)
Dallas                   $1.384       + 0.4 cents     $1.666 (5/12/01)
Ft. Worth                $1.377       + 0.2 cents     $1.660 (5/22/01)
Houston                  $1.383       + 0.3 cents     $1.639 (5/12/01)
San Antonio              $1.304       + 0.1 cents     $1.498 (5/9/01)

AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, AAA Texas' members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.