AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; High Gas Prices Declining

HOUSTON--Sept. 12, 2003--High gasoline prices have begun to decline with all major cities in Texas showing strong decreases, according to the Weekend Gas Watch by AAA Texas.

Currently, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular self-serve is $1.55 - three cents lower than last week's average. A year ago, a gallon of gas in Texas averaged $1.32. For the second consecutive week, Corpus Christi shows the biggest decrease at nearly seven cents a gallon. It also has the cheapest fuel in the state at $1.49 a gallon. Although Dallas posted the second biggest decrease of nearly five cents a gallon, it is still the highest on the list at $1.56 an average.

"Prices are higher than last year at this time, but right now Texas has one of the lowest gas averages in the nation," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "The state of Georgia is the lowest at $1.50 a gallon. The post Labor Day drop in leisure travel has contributed to the lower fuel prices at the pumps."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.

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

Area                     Regular       Change          Record Price
----                    --------     ----------      ----------------
Austin-San Marcos        $1.517      -3.6 cents      $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi           $1.487      -6.9 cents      $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                   $1.562      -4.5 cents      $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth               $1.551      -3.0 cents      $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                  $1.549      -3.0 cents      $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio              $1.501      -3.8 cents      $1.582 (3/18/03)