AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Gasoline Prices Continue Downward Trend

HOUSTON--Oct. 1, 20030, 2003--For the sixth consecutive week, gasoline prices declined throughout Texas, according to the Weekend Gas Watch by AAA Texas.

The Texas average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $1.42 - two cents less than last week's average, and only three cents more than last year's average of $1.39. Corpus Christi remains the cheapest for the fifth straight week, averaging $1.31 a gallon - down slightly more than a penny. San Antonio posted the biggest decrease of nearly three cents - averaging $1.35 a gallon. Dallas tops the list at $1.45 - down two pennies compared to a week ago.

"The downward trend in gas prices is expected to continue for at least the next few weeks," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Although the price of crude oil has been rising recently, gasoline inventories are starting to build in the U.S. and demand for fuel remains low - these factors should help keep prices lower."

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

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Oct. 10, 2003:

Area                    Regular       Change         Record Price
-----                  --------     ----------     ----------------
Austin-San Marcos       $1.387      -1.2 cents     $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi          $1.305      -1.4 cents     $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                  $1.451      -2.0 cents     $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth              $1.426      -2.2 cents     $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                 $1.421      -2.0 cents     $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio             $1.353      -2.7 cents     $1.582 (3/18/03)