AAA Texas: Gas prices drop statewide ahead of Labor Day weekend

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Record travel is expected through Labor Day weekend, and gas prices across Texas will help spur bigger numbers than last year.

This year’s prices at the pump will not remind you of the last Labor Day weekend before the COVID-19 pandemic and the Biden Administration. In 2019, the Texas average price for regular unleaded was $2.31 per gallon, or 64 cents less than the average price you will pay this year.

Nonetheless, gas prices are holding steady as Labor Day travel ramps up.

“The statewide gas price average is 46 cents cheaper heading into this Labor Day when compared to one year ago,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “While fluctuations remain possible due to holiday travel demand, fuel prices are expected to continue on a downward trend heading into September.”

The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents less than on this day last week and is 46 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year.

Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso metro area are paying the most on average at $3.39 per gallon while drivers in Lubbock are paying the least at $2.78 per gallon.

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.36, which is three cents less when compared to this day last week and 46 cents less per gallon when compared to this day last year.

In addition to lower inventories, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates fuel demand at a solid 9.307 million barrels per day. With demand increasing ahead of a busy holiday weekend, price fluctuations remain possible.