AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Prices in Austin Fall -- Most of Texas Is Stable

HOUSTON--Nov. 7, 2003--While the price of gasoline remained stable throughout Texas, prices in Austin declined substantially over the past week, according to the Weekend Gas Watch by AAA Texas.

The Texas average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $1.41 -- a penny less than last week's average and only a penny more than last year's average. Although Austin dropped nearly nine cents to an average of $1.30, Corpus Christi still has the cheapest fuel for the ninth straight week. Corpus Christi prices fell less than a penny to an average of $1.26 a gallon. Houston saw the second-biggest decline -- although a very slight one -- of one-point-four cents to an average of $1.39. Dallas also dropped about a penny to an average of $1.42, the most expensive on the list.

"Last week, Corpus Christi dropped nine-point-two cents in only a week. This week, Austin is following suit, with a decline of nearly nine cents," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Prices appear to be easing lower due to ample gasoline supply and a decline in crude oil prices."

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

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Nov. 7, 2003:

Area                      Regular       Change          Record Price
----                      -------       ------          ------------
Austin-San Marcos         $1.300      -8.5 cents      $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi            $1.261      -0.5 cent       $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                    $1.418      -1.3 cents      $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth                $1.407      -1.2 cents      $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                   $1.392      -1.4 cents      $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio               $1.358       no change      $1.582 (3/18/03)