Gas Prices Rise as Consumption Dips

HOUSTON, Texas -- Gas price in Texas and across the nation continued to climb to record averages this week, reports the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.

“Record high crude prices are the primary reason motorists are seeing almost daily increases.” says AAA Texas spokeswoman Rose Rougeau. “Crude oil surged above $136 a barrel this week.”

In Texas, the current average is an all-time high at $3.931 a gallon, up about eight cents from last week. Nationally, the average price increased by seven cents to $4.060 a gallon, also a record.The most expensive gas in Texas is in Dallas at $3.936 a gallon, up seven cents. The state's cheapest gas is in Amarillo at $3.893 a gallon, up six cents.

Drivers apparently are changing their habits and conserving fuel. According to the State Comptroller’s office, gasoline consumption in April fell 34 million gallons and that was before prices started to hover near $4.00 a gallon.

Average Daily Price per Gallon of Regular Self Serve Gasoline as of 12:01 a.m., June 13, 2008.

AAA Texas offers a ‘Gas Watcher’s Guide – Tips for Conserving Fuel, Saving Money and Protecting the Environment’ for free in all of its district offices.