AAA Texas: Weekend Gas Watch; Gasoline Prices Move Higher as Thanksgiving Draws Near

HOUSTON--Nov. 2, 20031, 2003--As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, gasoline prices moved slightly higher, according to the Weekend Gas Watch by AAA Texas.

The Texas average for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $1.40 -- up a penny since last week, and four cents more than last year's average of $1.36 a gallon. Although Corpus Christi saw the biggest increase of nearly nine cents, it still has the cheapest gas for the eleventh straight week -- averaging $1.34 a gallon. San Antonio is next at $1.37 a gallon -- an increase of nearly three cents. Dallas tops the list at $1.41 a gallon -- up about a penny.

"There's no clear reason as to why Corpus Christi saw such a dramatic increase this week," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Despite the jump of nearly nine cents, it remains the least expensive fuel in the state. These lower prices should help spur more travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday."

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., November 21, 2003:

Area                         Regular   Change         Record Price
----                         -------   ------         ------------
Austin-San Marcos            $1.381    + 1.3 cents    $1.580 (3/19/03)

Corpus Christi               $1.343    + 8.6 cents    $1.590 (2/20/03)

Dallas                       $1.410    + 1.1 cents    $1.666 (5/12/01)

Fort Worth                   $1.402    + 1.0 cent     $1.660 (5/22/01)

Houston                      $1.379    + 0.7 cent     $1.639 (5/12/01)

San Antonio                  $1.366    + 2.8 cents    $1.582 (3/18/03)