AAA Texas: Gas Prices Continue Steady Decline

    HOUSTON--May 9, 2003--Imports of gasoline from Europe, Canada and Venezuela helped push gas prices down across Texas, making the seventh consecutive week of price drops, 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.
    The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve is $1.406, which is 3.3 cents lower than last week's level, 12 cents below the price last month and 5 cents higher than last year. Of the major metropolitan areas in Texas, Dallas had the highest price with an average of 1.440 per gallon, while motorists in Corpus Christi have the lowest price of $1.284.
    "The extra supply of gasoline has pushed pump prices lower for several weeks, but we're probably very close to the bottom as we approach the Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of the summer driving season," said Carol Thorp, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Prices may fall a few more cents before the end of the month, then motorists can expect prices to bottom out and maybe even move upward a little."

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., May 9, 2003:

Area                       Regular      Change         Record Price
----                       -------      ------         ------------
Austin-San Marcos          $1.341     -4.2 cents     $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi             $1.284     -5.7 cents     $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                     $1.440     -2.9 cents     $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth                 $1.418     -3.5 cents     $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                    $1.398     -3.9 cents     $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio                $1.351     -4.1 cents     $1.582 (3/18/03)