Over the course of the past few days, the county of Midland’s average gas price has experienced minimal decreases, remaining at a penny lower than the state average, according to a recent AAA Texas report, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported.
“Many Texas drivers are seeing minimal relief when they fill up this week,” AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said regarding the fluctuation. “The best way to conserve fuel is to drive the speed limit, avoid hard accelerations and maintain healthy tires.”
Price averages in the area dropped by 1 cent to $3.44, while the Texas average experienced a 4-cent decrease. In total, over the past two weeks, the city saw a 33-cent increase in its average gas price.
“U.S gasoline stocks declined slightly and demand for fuel increased, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration,” Armbruster said. “Crude prices have increased by approximately $2 per barrel compared to last week.”
On a regional scale, Abilene’s gas prices saw a 7-cent decrease to $3.42, while El Paso continues to bare with the most expensive gas even after a statewide 5-cent decrease to $3.73.
Lubbock saw a 2-cent increase to $3.42, Odessa saw a 2-cent decrease to $3.40 and San Angelo continues housing the cheapest gas prices in the state, $3.28, following a 2-cent week-over-week increase.
On the contrary, from a national perspective, gas prices have spiked by a penny. Compared to national data, Texas now houses the fifth-cheapest gas in the country, falling behind Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee.
“Gas prices may continue to fluctuate in the days to come, with more price average increases possible given that crude oil prices have increased. OPEC+ announced today that global crude demand is anticipated to remain strong for the remainder of the year,” AAA reported.